LU11 Lesser Shang

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

LU11 (Shaoshang, “Lesser Shang”) is the Jing-Well Point point of the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin Meridian. It is located on the radial side of the thumb, approximately 0.1 cun proximal and ulnar to the corner of the nail bed, at the intersection of the vertical line of the radial nail border and the horizontal line of the nail base. It clears Lung heat, benefits the throat, revives consciousness, expels wind, and resolves exterior conditions.

Location

On the radial side of the thumb, approximately 0.1 cun proximal and ulnar to the corner of the nail bed, at the intersection of the vertical line of the radial nail border and the horizontal line of the nail base.

Needling

Superficial, perpendicular insertion 0.1-0.2 cun, or prick to bleed.

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TCM functions

Clears Lung heat, benefits the throat, revives consciousness, expels wind, and resolves exterior conditions..

Indications

Sore throat, swollen jaw, throat obstruction, inability to swallow, vomiting, hand numbness, hand contracture, finger pain, palm heat, hiccup, cough, abdominal fullness, spitting foam, malaria with shivering, ear pain, heat disease with agitation and sweating, fainting from heatstroke, infantile milia, mumps, nosebleed, asthma, mania, loss of consciousness, fever, convulsions, febrile disease with no sweating, febrile disease with wheezing and string-like pulse..

Jing-Well PointFive-Shu Point (Wood)

Clinical notes

Shaoshang is the terminal Jing-Well point of the Lung channel, classically indicated for acute, excess, and heat conditions, particularly of the throat. Its primary application is for severe sore throat, tonsillitis, or mumps, where pricking to bleed can provide rapid relief, as illustrated in the classical case of a man with severe throat obstruction. It is also a key point for reviving consciousness in cases of fainting or stroke and can be used for high fever and febrile convulsions, especially in children.

On the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin channel

LU11 is one of 11 points on the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is LU11 located?

LU11 (Shaoshang) is located on the radial side of the thumb, approximately 0.1 cun proximal and ulnar to the corner of the nail bed, at the intersection of the vertical line of the radial nail border and the horizontal line of the nail base.

What is LU11 used for?

LU11 clears Lung heat, benefits the throat, revives consciousness, expels wind, and resolves exterior conditions. Common clinical indications include sore throat, swollen jaw, throat obstruction, inability to swallow, vomiting, hand numbness, hand contracture, finger pain, palm heat, hiccup, cough, abdominal fullness, spitting foam, malaria with shivering, ear pain, heat disease with agitation and sweating, fainting from heatstroke, infantile milia, mumps, nosebleed, asthma, mania, loss of consciousness, fever, convulsions, febrile disease with no sweating, febrile disease with wheezing and string-like pulse.

How is LU11 needled?

Superficial, perpendicular insertion 0.1-0.2 cun, or prick to bleed. Caution: The classics emphasize that this point is for clearing heat and is best treated by pricking to bleed. Moxibustion is generally contraindicated or advised against in major sources.

Which meridian is LU11 on?

LU11 is a point on the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin Meridian (Shǒu Tàiyīn Fèijīng).

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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.