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 highest point of the shoulder, in a depression located 1.5 cun anterior to the great bone (acromion) and superior to the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen). It can be found by pressing with three fingers, in the depression directly under the middle finger. It regulates Qi, activates the channel, alleviates pain, resolves phlegm, benefits the shoulders and arms, and promotes labor.

Location

On the highest point of the shoulder, in a depression located 1.5 cun anterior to the great bone (acromion) and superior to the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen). It can be found by pressing with three fingers, in the depression directly under the middle finger.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Grasp the trapezius muscle and needle into the pinched-up area. Deep, superior, or medial insertion is strictly contraindicated due to the risk of pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Regulates Qi, activates the channel, alleviates pain, resolves phlegm, benefits the shoulders and arms, and promotes labor..

Indications

Shoulder and back pain, hip pain, arm that cannot be raised, chills and fever, cold sensation in the shoulder and back, spasm, pain as if the shoulder is being pulled out, inability to turn the head, arm pain, inability to bring hands to the head, stroke with qi obstruction and excessive phlegm causing inability to speak, wind-labor (feng lao) and the hundred diseases, traumatic injury to the hip and loin, head and neck pain, five taxations and seven damages, difficult labor, weakness of hands and feet after miscarriage, retained placenta, hand and foot reversal cold after childbirth, cough and rebellious qi, shortness of breath, upper qi, cough, kidney deficiency low back pain, nine types of leaking (jiu lou)..

Meeting point of GB, SJ, ST, & Yangwei

Clinical notes

Jianjing is a critical point for releasing tension in the upper back, neck, and shoulders, treating conditions from local pain and stiffness to headaches. Its strong downward-moving action on Qi makes it effective for inducing labor and lactation, but also necessitates its cautious use, especially during pregnancy. The classical emphasis on combining it with ST36 highlights its powerful effect and the need to anchor the Qi to prevent adverse reactions like dizziness or fainting.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

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

GB17GB18GB19GB20GB22GB23GB24GB25

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB21 located?

GB21 (Jianjing) is located on the highest point of the shoulder, in a depression located 1.5 cun anterior to the great bone (acromion) and superior to the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen). It can be found by pressing with three fingers, in the depression directly under the middle finger.

What is GB21 used for?

GB21 regulates Qi, activates the channel, alleviates pain, resolves phlegm, benefits the shoulders and arms, and promotes labor. Common clinical indications include shoulder and back pain, hip pain, arm that cannot be raised, chills and fever, cold sensation in the shoulder and back, spasm, pain as if the shoulder is being pulled out, inability to turn the head, arm pain, inability to bring hands to the head, stroke with qi obstruction and excessive phlegm causing inability to speak, wind-labor (feng lao) and the hundred diseases, traumatic injury to the hip and loin, head and neck pain, five taxations and seven damages, difficult labor, weakness of hands and feet after miscarriage, retained placenta, hand and foot reversal cold after childbirth, cough and rebellious qi, shortness of breath, upper qi, cough, kidney deficiency low back pain, nine types of leaking (jiu lou).

How is GB21 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Grasp the trapezius muscle and needle into the pinched-up area. Deep, superior, or medial insertion is strictly contraindicated due to the risk of pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall. Traditionally avoided or used with caution in PREGNANCY (strong qi/blood-moving or labour-promoting action). Deep needling is strongly contraindicated as it connects with the qi of the five Zang organs and can cause the patient to faint and lose consciousness. If this occurs, immediately needle ST36 Zusanli to descend the qi. Needling this point without subsequently needling ST36 can cause qi to ascend. Contraindicated in pregnancy as it can induce labor; however, it is used for difficult labor and post-miscarriage weakness. One source states it is unsuitable for moxibustion.

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.