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.
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).
Perpendicular or oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of causing a pneumothorax.
Activates the channel, alleviates pain, dispels wind and cold, relaxes the sinews.
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.
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.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸逢源》 Zhēnjiǔ Féngyuán — Sources of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Li Xuechuan, 1815 · 卷四 · 經穴考正 · 手太陽小腸經穴考 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肩外腧 在肩胛上廉。 旁開脊中三寸陷中。 與大杼穴平。 （針六分。 灸三壯）治肩胛痛According to this text, SI14 lies on the upper border of the scapula, 3 cun lateral to the spine, level with Dazhu (BL11); needle 0.6 cun, moxibustion 3 cones. It was used for pain of the scapula.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷六 · 經絡（四） · 手太陽小腸經穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肩外俞 在肩胛上廉，去脊三寸陷中，與大杼平。 刺六分，灸三壯。 主治肩胛痛，發寒熱，引項攣急，周痹寒至肘According to this text, SI14 lies on the upper border of the scapula, 3 cun from the spine, level with Dazhu (BL11); needle 0.6 cun, moxibustion 3 cones. It was used for scapular pain, cold and heat, contracture pulling to the nape, and generalized bi with cold reaching the elbow.
《普濟方·針灸門》 Pǔjì Fāng · Zhēnjiǔ Mén — Formulas for Universal Relief: Acupuncture & Moxibustion Section, Zhu Su, 1406 · 卷四百十四 · 針灸門 · 肩膊部左右二十六穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肩外俞二穴 在肩胛上廉。 去脊骨三寸陷中。 針六分。 灸三壯（明堂上經云一壯）According to this text, SI14 lies on the upper border of the scapula, in the depression 3 cun from the spine; needle 0.6 cun, moxibustion 3 cones (the Mingtang shangjing says 1 cone).
《黃帝明堂灸經》 Huángdì Míngtáng Jiǔjīng — The Yellow Emperor's Bright Hall Moxibustion Classic, Tang · 卷中 · 側人形第六 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肩外俞 二穴，在肩甲上廉去脊骨三寸，灸三壯，主肩痛發寒熱，引項急強，左右不顧According to this text, SI14 lies on the upper border of the scapula, 3 cun from the spine, with 3 moxa cones; it was used for shoulder pain with cold and heat, and stiffness of the nape so that one cannot turn to look left or right.
SI14 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:
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).
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.
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.
SI14 is a point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian (Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng).