Small Intestine meridian
SI-15 (Jiānzhōngshù, 肩中俞) — Middle Shoulder Shu
- Meridian
- Small Intestine (SI)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Regular point of the Small Intestine channel at the cervicothoracic junction.
- Depth reference
- 0.3–0.6 cun oblique, directed away from the thoracic cavity
- Moxibustion
- Applicable with caution
- Reference aliases
- SI15; Jianzhongshu; 肩中俞; Middle Shoulder Shu
Anatomical location
On the upper back, 2 cun lateral to the posterior midline, level with the inferior border of the C7 spinous process.
Traditional actions
Benefits the neck and shoulder; descends Lung qi; clears channel heat.
Recorded indications
Primary: Neck and shoulder pain; cough; shortness of breath; blurred vision.
Secondary: Upper back stiffness; febrile chills.
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 SI15, p. 95
- 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-15: Actions, Indications, Needling, moxa and pneumothorax caution
Frequently asked questions
Where is SI-15 located?
On the upper back, 2 cun lateral to the posterior midline, level with the inferior border of the C7 spinous process.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for SI-15?
Benefits the neck and shoulder; descends Lung qi; clears channel heat. The dataset lists these primary indications: Neck and shoulder pain; cough; shortness of breath; blurred vision. Secondary indications are recorded as: Upper back stiffness; febrile chills.
Is SI-15 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify SI-15 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.