Small Intestine meridian

SI-13 (Qūyuán, 曲垣) — Crooked Wall

Meridian
Small Intestine (SI)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Regular point of the Small Intestine channel near the medial scapular border.
Depth reference
0.5–0.8 cun oblique, kept superficial to the thoracic cage
Moxibustion
Applicable with caution
Reference aliases
SI13; Quyuan; 曲垣; Crooked Wall

Anatomical location

In the scapular region, in the depression immediately superior to the medial end of the scapular spine, midway between SI-10 and the T2 spinous process.

Traditional actions

Relaxes the sinews; activates the shoulder channel; relieves upper back pain.

Recorded indications

Primary: Pain between the scapula and spine; shoulder stiffness; difficulty lifting the arm.

Secondary: Neck tightness; aching across the upper thorax.

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 SI13, p. 94
  2. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2 Chest, back and lung/pleura, p. 25
  3. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SI-13: Actions, Indications, Needling, moxa and lung caution
  4. Clean Needle Technique Manual, 7th edition, February 2024 revision Pneumothorax, pp. 10–12: SI13 event association

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI-13 located?

In the scapular region, in the depression immediately superior to the medial end of the scapular spine, midway between SI-10 and the T2 spinous process.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for SI-13?

Relaxes the sinews; activates the shoulder channel; relieves upper back pain. The dataset lists these primary indications: Pain between the scapula and spine; shoulder stiffness; difficulty lifting the arm. Secondary indications are recorded as: Neck tightness; aching across the upper thorax.

Is SI-13 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify SI-13 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.