In acupuncture, a small group of acupoints dominates treatment protocols and research attention. While the specific acupoints may vary depending on the school of acupuncture or historical period, the general tendency remains. With more than 300 points across the body, many remain in the shadows.
However, a low profile doesn’t mean no function. One acupoint, Upper Ridge (Shang Lian, LI9), located on the outer forearm, might be generic, but it’s not irrelevant. It plays a role in maintaining the energy flow of the Large Intestine meridian.
Functions Without the Fame
First documented in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”), Shang Lian does not belong to any special category of acupoints with exceptional therapeutic properties. Instead, its noted functions are somewhat common: to help “unblock the meridian” and “relax the tendons and muscles.” While these functions are not unique, they still provide clinical utility. Shang Lian is applied for symptoms connected to its meridian or energy pathway—the large intestine—and for muscular issues in its immediate area.
Practical Applications
Shang Lian is used to address signs of energy stagnation in the Large Intestine meridian. These include abdominal pain, borborygmus (stomach gurgling), and dark-colored urine. It is also used for local musculoskeletal issues of the arms, shoulders, and elbows. TCM practitioners also include Shang Lian in protocols for tennis elbow and inflammation of the elbow joint.
Modern Research
Shang Lian receives minimal attention in modern acupuncture studies. However, one clinical case demonstrated its diagnostic potential when a TCM physician used meridian palpation, tracing the pathways of meridians to evaluate the circulation of vital energy and blood in the meridians. The method revealed a nodule at Shang Lian that corresponded with a patient’s symptoms of stomach burning and belching. The findings suggest a connection between the acupoint and its corresponding organ.
Another study evaluated post-operative recovery of intestinal function in rectal cancer patients. The researchers found that combined stimulation of abdominal points with limb points, including Shang Lian, resulted in significantly better outcomes than stimulating any of those points alone. Shang Lian contributed to that synergistic effect, highlighting its value as a supporting point in treatment protocols.
How to Locate and Stimulate Shang Lian
To find Shang Lian, bend your arm and rotate it so the thumb side faces up. First, locate the Yang Xi acupoint (LI5) on your wrist between the two prominent tendons that appear when the thumb is flexed upwards. Then, find another acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian, Qu Chi (LI11), that is located halfway between the elbow crease and the prominent bony bump on the side of the elbow. Imagine a line connecting these two points. Shang Lian lies about four finger-widths below Qu Chi along that line. To ensure that you’ve correctly identified the location, press gently along this area until you find a tender or sore spot or the “ashi point”. TCM practitioners rely on these sensations to identify the precise location of the acupoint.
Ways to Stimulate It
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- 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, gua sha (scraping), or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Do not stimulate this point if the area is injured. When using herbal patches, opt for formulas that contain hypoallergenic ingredients to minimize the risk of skin irritation.
Generic Does Not Mean Useless
Shang Lian might not carry a special designation, but it still serves as a supporting point and is easy to include in daily routines. Try vigorously patting the outside of your arm from the wrist upward to stimulate this point and its neighbor, Lower Ridge (LI8), to support the flow of vital energy in the Large Intestine meridian. Though these points may not headline acupuncture manuals, they remain an integral part of the meridian system and are worth your attention.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
