Large Intestine meridian

LI-16 (Jùgǔ, 巨骨) — Great Bone

Meridian
Large Intestine (LI)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Meeting point of the Large Intestine channel and the Yang Motility vessel.
Depth reference
0.5–0.7 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Applicable with standard burn precautions.
Reference aliases
LI16; Jugu; 巨骨; Great Bone

Anatomical location

On top of the shoulder, in the depression between the acromial end of the clavicle and the spine of the scapula.

Traditional actions

Opens the shoulder channel; relieves pain and stiffness; supports movement of the arm.

Recorded indications

Primary: Top-of-shoulder pain; limited shoulder movement; upper-arm weakness; localized shoulder swelling.

Secondary: Neck stiffness; pain extending toward the scapula; reduced ability to raise the arm.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region LI16
  2. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture
  3. Clean Needle Technique Manual
  4. Atlas of Acupuncturology
  5. Adverse Events of Acupuncture: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI-16 located?

On top of the shoulder, in the depression between the acromial end of the clavicle and the spine of the scapula.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for LI-16?

Opens the shoulder channel; relieves pain and stiffness; supports movement of the arm. The dataset lists these primary indications: Top-of-shoulder pain; limited shoulder movement; upper-arm weakness; localized shoulder swelling. Secondary indications are recorded as: Neck stiffness; pain extending toward the scapula; reduced ability to raise the arm.

Is LI-16 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify LI-16 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.