ACUPUNCTURE
Shou Wu Li: TCM Acupoint Guide
SHOUWULI
Name
Shou Wu Li (Shouwuli)
Location
On the lateral side of the upper arm, on the line connecting LI-11 Quchi and LI-15 Jianyu, 3 cun above LI-11 Quchi. Note: locate approximately one hand breadth superior to LI-11 Quchi in the depression between the lateral border of the biceps brachii and the humerus.
Needling
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Caution: avoid hitting the artery.
- Perpendicular insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun.
- Straight insertion, 1 to 2 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
- Alleviates coughing
- Regulates qi
- Drains damp
- Transforms phlegm
Indications
- Contracture and pain of the elbow and arm
- Scrofula
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Hematemesis
- Desire to sleep
- Inability to move the four limbs
- Malaria
- Blurred vision
- Fear and fright
- Pneumonia
- Pain and numbness of the elbow and upper arm
- Inability to raise the arm
- Shoulder pain
- Wind-taxation with fear and fright
- Diminished qi
- A yellow body with intermittent low-grade fever
- Fullness and distention below the heart
- Hemoptysis
- Peritonitis
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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