SI14 Jianwaishu

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

SI14 (Jianwaishu, “Jianwaishu”) is an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the upper back, in a depression on the superior border of the scapula, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). It activates the channel, alleviates pain, dispels wind and cold, relaxes the sinews.

Location

On the upper back, in a depression on the superior border of the scapula, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1).

Needling

Perpendicular or oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of causing a pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Activates the channel, alleviates pain, dispels wind and cold, relaxes the sinews..

Indications

Shoulder and scapular pain, shoulder bi-syndrome, shoulder pain with heat, shoulder pain with cold that radiates to the elbow, shoulder pain with fever and chills, neck stiffness, neck pain, shoulder and back pain, Zhou Bi (Wandering Bi-syndrome), stiffness and pain in the shoulder and scapula..

Clinical notes

Jianwaishu is a primary local point for pain and stiffness affecting the superior and medial aspects of the scapula and the surrounding trapezius muscle. It is particularly effective for conditions where pain radiates from the neck and upper back into the shoulder. Its classical indications for both heat and cold in the shoulder suggest it can be used for acute inflammatory conditions as well as chronic, cold-type bi-syndrome.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI14 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

SI10SI11SI12SI13SI15SI16SI17SI18

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI14 located?

SI14 (Jianwaishu) is located on the upper back, in a depression on the superior border of the scapula, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1).

What is SI14 used for?

SI14 activates the channel, alleviates pain, dispels wind and cold, relaxes the sinews. Common clinical indications include shoulder and scapular pain, shoulder bi-syndrome, shoulder pain with heat, shoulder pain with cold that radiates to the elbow, shoulder pain with fever and chills, neck stiffness, neck pain, shoulder and back pain, Zhou Bi (Wandering Bi-syndrome), stiffness and pain in the shoulder and scapula.

How is SI14 needled?

Perpendicular or oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of causing a pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.

Which meridian is SI14 on?

SI14 is a point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian (Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng).

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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.