SI9 Jiānzhēn

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

SI9 (Jiānzhēn, “Jiānzhēn”) is an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the posterior aspect of the shoulder, in the depression inferior to the scapular spine. With the arm adducted, this point is located 1 cun superior to the posterior axillary fold. It expels wind, clears heat from the channel, alleviates pain, and benefits the shoulder joint.

Location

On the posterior aspect of the shoulder, in the depression inferior to the scapular spine. With the arm adducted, this point is located 1 cun superior to the posterior axillary fold.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution: Deep needling may injure the shoulder joint capsule.

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TCM functions

Expels wind, clears heat from the channel, alleviates pain, and benefits the shoulder joint..

Indications

Shoulder pain, inability to raise the arm, heat in the shoulder, wind-damp impediment (bi), numbness of the hand and arm, cold and heat sensations, ear ringing, deafness, pain in the supraclavicular fossa, neck pain, scrofula..

Clinical notes

Jianzhen is a primary local point for a wide range of shoulder disorders, especially those involving pain and restricted movement on the posterior aspect. Its classical indications for clearing heat make it suitable for inflammatory conditions of the shoulder joint. The point's ability to treat ear disorders like tinnitus and deafness, as mentioned in multiple classics, highlights the Small Intestine channel's connection to the head and sense organs.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI9 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

SI5SI6SI7SI8SI10SI11SI12SI13

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI9 located?

SI9 (Jiānzhēn) is located on the posterior aspect of the shoulder, in the depression inferior to the scapular spine. With the arm adducted, this point is located 1 cun superior to the posterior axillary fold.

What is SI9 used for?

SI9 expels wind, clears heat from the channel, alleviates pain, and benefits the shoulder joint. Common clinical indications include shoulder pain, inability to raise the arm, heat in the shoulder, wind-damp impediment (bi), numbness of the hand and arm, cold and heat sensations, ear ringing, deafness, pain in the supraclavicular fossa, neck pain, scrofula.

How is SI9 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution: Deep needling may injure the shoulder joint capsule. Caution: The Zhen Jiu Da Cheng lists Jianzhen as a point where moxibustion is forbidden.

Which meridian is SI9 on?

SI9 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.