Large Intestine meridian

LI-9 (Shànglián, 上廉) — Upper Ridge

Meridian
Large Intestine (LI)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Regular channel point on the proximal forearm section of the Large Intestine pathway.
Depth reference
0.5–1 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Applicable.
Reference aliases
LI9; Shanglian; 上廉; Upper Ridge

Anatomical location

On the posterolateral forearm along the LI-5 to LI-11 line, 3 body-cun below the cubital crease.

Traditional actions

Frees the elbow and forearm; moves channel qi; harmonizes intestinal function in traditional pattern treatment.

Recorded indications

Primary: Elbow or forearm pain; reduced grip strength; abdominal pain; constipation.

Secondary: Loose stool; urinary difficulty; headache; numbness of 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 LI9
  2. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI-9 located?

On the posterolateral forearm along the LI-5 to LI-11 line, 3 body-cun below the cubital crease.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for LI-9?

Frees the elbow and forearm; moves channel qi; harmonizes intestinal function in traditional pattern treatment. The dataset lists these primary indications: Elbow or forearm pain; reduced grip strength; abdominal pain; constipation. Secondary indications are recorded as: Loose stool; urinary difficulty; headache; numbness of the arm.

Is LI-9 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify LI-9 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.