LI12 (Zhouliao, “Zhouliao”) is an acupuncture point on the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the elbow, superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It is found approximately 1 cun superior and lateral to Quchi (LI11), on the anterior border of the humerus. It dispels wind and dampness, activates the channel, alleviates pain.
On the lateral aspect of the elbow, superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It is found approximately 1 cun superior and lateral to Quchi (LI11), on the anterior border of the humerus.
Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Often needled with the elbow flexed to locate the point in the depression anterior to the lateral epicondyle.
Dispels wind and dampness, activates the channel, alleviates pain.
Numbness and pain of the arm and elbow, contraction and difficulty moving the arm and elbow.
Zhouliao is a local point primarily used for disorders of the elbow, especially pain, stiffness, and motor impairment affecting the joint. It is particularly effective for conditions like lateral epicondylitis ('tennis elbow') and general arm pain. Its action is focused on freeing the flow of Qi and Blood in the local area of the Large Intestine channel.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷六 · 經絡（四） · 手陽明大腸經穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肘髎 在肘大骨外廉陷中，與天井相併，相去一寸四分。 刺三分，灸三壯。 主治肘節風痹，臂痛不舉，麻木不仁，嗜臥According to this text, LI12 lies in the depression on the outer edge of the large elbow bone, level with Tianjing and 1.4 cun from it; needle 0.3 cun, 3 moxa cones, and it was used for wind-bi of the elbow joint, arm pain with inability to lift, numbness and somnolence.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之一·神照集 · 手陽明大腸經圖穴九 · 手陽明大腸經所發二十穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肘髎二穴，在曲池穴橫紋尖上，向外二寸，大骨外廉陷中，手拱胸取之。 《針經》刺入四分，灸三壯。 竇氏針入一寸半，灸二七壯According to this text, LI12 lies above the end of the Quchi crease, 2 cun outward, in the depression on the outer edge of the large bone, located with the hand folded before the chest; the Zhenjing gives 0.4 cun and 3 cones, while Dou gives 1.5 cun and 14 cones.
《神灸經綸》 Shénjiǔ Jīnglún — Principles of Divine Moxibustion, Wu Yiding, 1851 · 卷之二 · 十二經脈起止 · 大腸經二十穴分寸 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肘髎 從曲池上行在肘大骨外廉陷中與天井相併相去一寸四分灸三壯According to this text, LI12 lies above Quchi in the depression on the outer edge of the large elbow bone, level with Tianjing at 1.4 cun distance, and is moxibusted with 3 cones.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 手陽明大腸凡二十八穴第二十六 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肘髎二穴，主風癆嗜臥，肘節風痹，臂腕不舉，肩重腋急The text records that LI12 was used for wind consumption (feng lao) with somnolence, wind-bi of the elbow joint, inability to lift arm and wrist, heaviness of the shoulder and tension in the armpit.
LI12 is one of 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian. Nearby points:
LI12 (Zhouliao) is located on the lateral aspect of the elbow, superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It is found approximately 1 cun superior and lateral to Quchi (LI11), on the anterior border of the humerus.
LI12 dispels wind and dampness, activates the channel, alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include numbness and pain of the arm and elbow, contraction and difficulty moving the arm and elbow.
Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Often needled with the elbow flexed to locate the point in the depression anterior to the lateral epicondyle.
LI12 is a point on the Large Intestine Meridian (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng).