Small Intestine meridian
SI-14 (Jiānwàishù, 肩外俞) — Outer Shoulder Shu
- Meridian
- Small Intestine (SI)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Regular point of the Small Intestine channel on the upper thoracic back.
- Depth reference
- 0.5–0.8 cun oblique, directed along the back rather than into the thorax
- Moxibustion
- Applicable with caution
- Reference aliases
- SI14; Jianwaishu; 肩外俞; Outer Shoulder Shu
Anatomical location
On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline, level with the inferior border of the T1 spinous process.
Traditional actions
Activates the channel; relaxes the shoulder girdle; relieves pain of the upper back.
Recorded indications
Primary: Scapular pain; neck stiffness; shoulder pain; limited upper-limb movement.
Secondary: Cold sensation across the upper back.
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.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region SI14, p. 94
- Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2 Chest, back and lung/pleura, p. 25
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SI-14: Actions, Indications, Needling, moxa and pneumothorax caution
Frequently asked questions
Where is SI-14 located?
On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline, level with the inferior border of the T1 spinous process.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for SI-14?
Activates the channel; relaxes the shoulder girdle; relieves pain of the upper back. The dataset lists these primary indications: Scapular pain; neck stiffness; shoulder pain; limited upper-limb movement. Secondary indications are recorded as: Cold sensation across the upper back.
Is SI-14 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify SI-14 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.