Shoulder injuries are not limited to athletes. Adults often sustain them through recreational sports like skiing, cycling, or snowboarding, as well as when doing everyday activities. If there’s no serious displacement, treatment usually involves a sling and some painkillers. However, many patients continue to feel discomfort long after being cleared by imaging and medical evaluation.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), lingering shoulder pain is attributed to unresolved disruptions in the flow of qi and blood. These vital energies travel along meridians, or energy pathways, which, among many jobs, also support joint health. Great Bone (Ju Gu, LI16) is an acupoint on the shoulder used to help restore flow, especially when recovery feels incomplete.
Classic Texts’ Perspective
Ju Gu was first recorded in the “Su Wen” (“Basic Questions”), one of the foundational texts of the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, which discusses the theoretical principles of TCM. Ju Gu belongs to the Large Intestine meridian, which passes along the shoulder. According to a key principle in acupuncture, an acupoint treats the area through which its meridian runs.
While several meridians pass through the shoulder, the Large Intestine meridian stands out due to its abundance of qi and blood, making Ju Gu effective in mobilizing restoring shoulder function. Ju Gu is said to relax tendons and eliminate phlegm nodules, which interfere with smooth joint movement, addressing stiffness and lingering pain after prolonged strain or injury.
Applications in Shoulder and Arm Pain
Ju Gu is commonly used in protocols addressing pain radiating from the shoulder joint to the upper arms and back. It is also recommended in situations where patients experience difficulty lifting the arm. These uses reflect the point’s ability to help restore mobility and reduce pain associated with shoulder dysfunction.
Modern Findings on Ju Gu’s Role
Acupuncture is increasingly used alongside other treatments for pain management, and Ju Gu has become a focus of research for its possible benefits.
Palpating Ju Gu for local tenderness is recommended as an essential step in diagnosing injury severity and planning treatment for acromioclavicular joint injuries, which involve the joint where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade. This joint is crucial for raising the arm above the head and stabilizing shoulder movement. Injuries here often result from direct impact or falls.
A clinical trial studied Ju Gu’s effect as part of a treatment protocol for neck-type cervical spondylosis, a condition caused by age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs in the neck. Participants were divided into two groups. One received acupuncture at points along the trapezius muscle, including Ju Gu, while the other was treated at the Jiaji (EX-B2) point. Both groups showed pain reduction, but the group treated with trapezius-related points experienced greater improvements in pain scores. This group also had a higher overall effectiveness rating of 96.7 percent versus 70 percent.
How to Locate and Stimulate Ju Gu
Ju Gu is found on the upper shoulder, between the outer edge of the clavicle and the bony ridge on the back surface of the shoulder blade. To find its precise location, press gently in this area and feel for a tender or sore spot. If you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with a blockage in qi and blood flow, this tenderness may be more pronounced.
Ways to Stimulate Ju Gu
- 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 or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Do not apply pressure to Ju Gu if the bones or wounds in the shoulder area have not fully healed. Always consult your physician before incorporating Ju Gu into a recovery protocol. Opt for herbal patches without harsh artificial ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Daily Effort, Gradual Recovery
Shoulder injuries may happen in seconds, but healing takes time. Stimulating Ju Gu helps clear the way for qi and blood to resume their natural flow, like clearing debris from a riverbed. This simple act can be part of a greater commitment to long-term recovery. Whether you’re investing in your own health or helping a loved one navigate post-injury discomfort, Ju Gu offers a targeted step toward restored mobility and comfort.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
