Shanglian (LI9)
Shanglian (LI9), “Upper Ridge”, is a point on the Large Intestine meridian. It is point 9 of the 20 on the channel. Frees the channel, relaxes the forearm sinews and regulates the intestines.
Location
On the LI5-LI11 line, 3 cun below the cubital crease.
Functions according to tradition
Frees the channel, relaxes the forearm sinews and regulates the intestines.
Traditional indications
- Arm numbness
- Hemiplegia
- Borborygmus
- Abdominal pain
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.
- BL48 Yanggang (Bladder): Abdominal pain, Borborygmus
- ST43 Xiangu (Stomach): Abdominal pain, Borborygmus
- KI17 Shangqu (Kidney): Abdominal pain
- SI9 Jianzhen (Small Intestine): Arm numbness
- SP13 Fushe (Spleen): Abdominal pain
- SP16 Fuai (Spleen): Abdominal pain
Point profile
- Code
- LI9
- Pinyin name
- Shàng Lián
- Characters
- 上廉
- Translation
- Upper Ridge
- Meridian
- Large Intestine
- Element
- Metal
- Topics
- Arm, Digestion, Pain
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.
