Many people avoid acupuncture out of fear of needles, but still want to activate the body’s energy system. That draws them to acupressure, which introduces a potential new problem: discomfort. Sensations can range from dull pain to intense, localized ache and may include tingling or soreness spreading beyond the point.
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recognize that “blockage” can be the underlying cause. It’s tempting to quit, but those who persist notice the discomfort lessens over weeks of regular sessions. Today’s acupoint, Shoulder Bone (Jian Yu, LI15), is a great way to observe this process.
Why Jian Yu Is Prone to Blockages
Jian Yu was first documented in the “A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion.” It belongs to the Large Intestine meridian and is a common site of blockages. Meridians work as rivers of qi, or vital energy, flowing through the body. The Large Intestine meridian makes a sharp 90-degree turn at Jian Yu, transitioning from a vertical to a horizontal orientation. As with any river, a sharp bend can collect debris. The same concept applies here. Jian Yu becomes a zone where energy slows and congestion can build.
Jian Yu is located near the shoulder joint, an area considered vulnerable to external pathogens such as wind and dampness. These pathogens manifest as numb, dull pain or sudden, sharp pain. Since the shoulder is susceptible to both, Jian Yu becomes critical for maintaining flow through the meridian and for protecting joint health. Its role in shoulder care is so prominent that it is part of the classical acupuncture group known as the “three needles of the shoulder.”
Both TCM practitioners and acupressure enthusiasts use Jian Yu for a wide range of shoulder conditions. It is a common part of treatment protocols for rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, shoulder pain, numbness, and limited range of motion. It is also used preventively for people who rely heavily on their shoulders for work or leisure.
Research on Jian Yu’s Functionality
As acupuncture becomes more mainstream, Jian Yu continues to appear in clinical research involving both animals and humans.
In one study, researchers measured purine levels—energy-related compounds such as ATP and ADO—at several acupoints in rats under healthy conditions and after induced heart injury. The results showed that ADO levels significantly increased at Jian Yu when the body was under stress. These findings demonstrated that acupoints, including Jian Yu, can become biochemically active in response to internal dysfunction, supporting the idea that acupoints reflect the body’s internal state.
In another study involving patients with frozen shoulder, researchers used surface electromyography to measure muscle activity in the deltoid before and after acupuncture. The protocol involved four points: Jian Yu, Jian Qian (Extra), Jian Liao (TE14), and Bi Nao (LI14). Jian Yu consistently showed statistically significant changes across all six acupuncture manipulations, outperforming the other three points. Acupuncture reduced muscle stiffness, and Jian Yu was the most effective acupoint in this treatment group.
How to Locate and Activate Jian Yu
To find Jian Yu, raise your arm to the side. The point is located in the front and slightly below the bony tip of your shoulder in the hollow that appears when the arm is raised. Press around this area gently. If you feel soreness or tenderness, that’s a likely sign you’ve found the acupoint. If your body is carrying an energetic blockage or healing from a related injury, this sensation may be more intense.
Ways to Stimulate Jian Yu
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each shoulder.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid this point if you have unhealed injuries in the shoulder area. When using herbal patches, opt for formulas that are free from allergenic ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Long-Term Benefits Start With 1 Step
Jian Yu is also useful as a diagnostic tool for evaluating energy flow in your shoulder and the Large Intestine meridian. If the point feels sore today, take it as a signal. Consider incorporating this point into your regular self-care routine and observe how your sensations evolve. Blockages build gradually, and clearing them also takes time. Jian Yu reminds us that health isn’t fixed in a single session. It’s something we work toward with consistent, small actions.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
