Zhouliao (LI12)
Zhouliao (LI12), “Elbow Bone-Hole”, is a point on the Large Intestine meridian. It is point 12 of the 20 on the channel. Frees the channel and relaxes the sinews of the elbow: a local point for epicondylitis.
Location
On the posterolateral aspect of the elbow, superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
Functions according to tradition
Frees the channel and relaxes the sinews of the elbow: a local point for epicondylitis.
Traditional indications
- Elbow pain
- Tennis elbow
- Arm numbness
- Elbow contracture
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
Precautions
No specific precautions are described beyond the general ones for acupuncture. Needling must always be performed by a trained professional.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- SI8 Xiaohai (Small Intestine): Arm numbness, Elbow pain
- LU5 Chize (Lung): Elbow pain
- SI9 Jianzhen (Small Intestine): Arm numbness
- TE10 Tianjing (San Jiao (Triple Burner)): Elbow pain
Point profile
- Code
- LI12
- Pinyin name
- Zhǒu Liáo
- Characters
- 肘髎
- Translation
- Elbow Bone-Hole
- Meridian
- Large Intestine
- Element
- Metal
- Topics
- Elbow, Pain, Sinews
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
