LI13 Hand Five Li

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

LI13 (Shouwuli, “Hand Five Li”) is an acupuncture point on the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, on a line connecting LI11 (Quchi) and LI15 (Jianyu), 3 cun superior to the cubital crease at LI11. It activates the channel, alleviates pain, resolves phlegm and dissipates nodules, regulates Qi and Blood.

Location

On the lateral aspect of the upper arm, on a line connecting LI11 (Quchi) and LI15 (Jianyu), 3 cun superior to the cubital crease at LI11.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution: The radial nerve lies deep to this point.

N
e
e
d
l
i
n
g
i
s
p
r
o
h
i
b
i
t
e
d
(
'
禁
針
'
)
a
c
c
o
r
d
i
n
g
t
o
t
h
e
S
u
W
e
n
,
a
s
c
i
t
e
d
i
n
t
h
e
Z
i
S
h
e
n
g
J
i
n
g
a
n
d
Z
h
e
n
J
i
u
J
u
Y
i
n
g
.
T
h
e
H
u
a
n
g
d
i
N
e
i
j
i
n
g
d
e
s
c
r
i
b
e
s
a
t
e
c
h
n
i
q
u
e
o
f
'
w
e
l
c
o
m
i
n
g
a
t
W
u
l
i
'
(
迎
之
五
里
)
t
h
a
t
c
a
n
d
e
p
l
e
t
e
a
p
e
r
s
o
n
'
s
Q
i
a
n
d
i
s
c
o
n
s
i
d
e
r
e
d
a
f
o
r
b
i
d
d
e
n
t
e
c
h
n
i
q
u
e
f
o
r
a
s
s
a
s
s
i
n
a
t
i
o
n
,
n
o
t
t
h
e
r
a
p
e
u
t
i
c
u
s
e
.

TCM functions

Activates the channel, alleviates pain, resolves phlegm and dissipates nodules, regulates Qi and Blood..

Indications

Scrofula, alternating fever and chills, cough, elbow and arm pain, contracture of the elbow, wind-induced lassitude, desire to sleep, inability to move the four limbs, fullness and distention below the heart, upwardly surging qi, jaundice, slight fever, eye pain, diminished vision, shortness of breath..

Clinical notes

Classically, Shouwuli is a significant point for treating scrofula, goiter, and other nodulations, often with moxibustion. Its use for local conditions like elbow and arm pain is also well-established. However, the strong and repeated classical prohibition against needling, rooted in the Huangdi Neijing, is its most notable feature and warrants extreme caution or avoidance of needles in favor of moxa.

On the Large Intestine channel

LI13 is one of 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian. Nearby points:

LI9LI10LI11LI12LI14LI15LI16LI17

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI13 located?

LI13 (Shouwuli) is located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, on a line connecting LI11 (Quchi) and LI15 (Jianyu), 3 cun superior to the cubital crease at LI11.

What is LI13 used for?

LI13 activates the channel, alleviates pain, resolves phlegm and dissipates nodules, regulates Qi and Blood. Common clinical indications include scrofula, alternating fever and chills, cough, elbow and arm pain, contracture of the elbow, wind-induced lassitude, desire to sleep, inability to move the four limbs, fullness and distention below the heart, upwardly surging qi, jaundice, slight fever, eye pain, diminished vision, shortness of breath.

How is LI13 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution: The radial nerve lies deep to this point. Caution: Needling is prohibited ('禁針') according to the Su Wen, as cited in the Zi Sheng Jing and Zhen Jiu Ju Ying. The Huangdi Neijing describes a technique of 'welcoming at Wuli' (迎之五里) that can deplete a person's Qi and is considered a forbidden technique for assassination, not therapeutic use.

Which meridian is LI13 on?

LI13 is a point on the Large Intestine Meridian (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ 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.