GB21 Shoulder Well

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

GB21 (Jianjing, “Shoulder Well”) is the Meeting point of GB, SJ, ST, & Yangwei point of the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located on the shoulder, at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and the acromial extremity, directly above the nipple. It activates qi and blood, alleviates pain, and descends qi.

Location

On the shoulder, at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and the acromial extremity, directly above the nipple.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1 cun. Caution: deep insertion may cause pneumothorax.

⚠ Pregnancy: avoid — may stimulate uterine contraction (miscarriage / early-labour risk).
⚠ Pneumothorax risk: oblique/shallow only, never deep perpendicular over the chest wall.

TCM functions

Activates qi and blood, alleviates pain, and descends qi.

Indications

Shoulder and neck pain, stiffness, mastitis, difficult labor.

Meeting point of GB, SJ, ST, & Yangwei

Clinical notes

GB21, 'Shoulder Well', is a powerful point for activating qi and blood in the shoulder and neck, effectively alleviating pain, stiffness, and tension in this region. It also has a strong descending action, making it useful for conditions like difficult labor (contraindicated in pregnancy) and mastitis. As a meeting point of multiple Yang meridians, it is a command point for the shoulder and neck, often used with LI4 for general pain relief.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

GB21 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB21 located?

GB21 (Jianjing) is located on the shoulder, at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and the acromial extremity, directly above the nipple.

What is GB21 used for?

GB21 activates qi and blood, alleviates pain, and descends qi. Common clinical indications include shoulder and neck pain, stiffness, mastitis, difficult labor.

How is GB21 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1 cun. Caution: deep insertion may cause pneumothorax. Caution: ⚠ Pregnancy: avoid — may stimulate uterine contraction (miscarriage / early-labour risk). ⚠ Pneumothorax risk: oblique/shallow only, never deep perpendicular over the chest wall.

Which meridian is GB21 on?

GB21 is a point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyáng Dǎnjīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.