Acupuncture Points for Frozen Shoulder

4 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Frozen Shoulder

How often each point appears across the 50 entries ranked highest for Frozen Shoulder. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI15Shoulder And ClavicleLarge Intestine Meridian25 of 50
  • GB21Shoulder WellGallbladder Meridian19 of 50
  • TB14Shoulder Bone HoleTriple Burner Meridian17 of 50
  • SI09True ShoulderSmall Intestine Meridian15 of 50
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian13 of 50
  • LI14Upper Arm ProminenceLarge Intestine Meridian10 of 50
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian10 of 50
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian9 of 50
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian9 of 50
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian9 of 50
  • SI11Heavenly GatheringSmall Intestine Meridian9 of 50
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian8 of 50

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI15 · SI09 · TB14

Point 1 of 3

LI15Shoulder And Clavicle

LI15 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩髃 (jiān dòu)

🎯 Location: Anteroinferior to the acromion on the upper portion of the deltoid muscle; when arm is in the full abduction the point is in the depression the appearing at the anterior border of the acromioclavicular joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax; caution in shoulder injuries.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Goiter, Hemiplegia

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2015/312309

Single-point entry

100%

LI14Upper Arm Prominence

LI14 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 臂臑 (bì bù)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the upper arm on the line connecting li11 and li15, 7 thumb widths above the li11 at the insertion of the deltoid muscle.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth to avoid nerve damage.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Redness, Swelling, Pain, Goiter

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1002/ccr3.5055

Protocol (2 points)

100%

LI15 · GB21

Point 1 of 2

LI15Shoulder And Clavicle

LI15 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩髃 (jiān dòu)

🎯 Location: Anteroinferior to the acromion on the upper portion of the deltoid muscle; when arm is in the full abduction the point is in the depression the appearing at the anterior border of the acromioclavicular joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax; caution in shoulder injuries.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Goiter, Hemiplegia

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3390/healthcare14050605

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LI14 · LI15 · SI09 · SI11 · TB14 · GB21 · GV14

Point 1 of 7

LI14Upper Arm Prominence

LI14 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 臂臑 (bì bù)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the upper arm on the line connecting li11 and li15, 7 thumb widths above the li11 at the insertion of the deltoid muscle.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth to avoid nerve damage.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Redness, Swelling, Pain, Goiter

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13729/j.issn.1671-7813.z20170533

Protocol (2 points)

76%

LI15 · SI10

Point 1 of 2

LI15Shoulder And Clavicle

LI15 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩髃 (jiān dòu)

🎯 Location: Anteroinferior to the acromion on the upper portion of the deltoid muscle; when arm is in the full abduction the point is in the depression the appearing at the anterior border of the acromioclavicular joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax; caution in shoulder injuries.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Goiter, Hemiplegia

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1093/ecam/neh102

Protocol (6 points)

76%

LI11 · ST36 · SP06 · SP09 · TB05 · GV20

Point 1 of 6

LI11Pond At The Bend

LI11 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 曲池 (qū chí)

🎯 Location: When elbow is flexed point is in the depression the at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease midway between lu5 and lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

⚠️ Cautions: Monitor blood pressure and avoid strong stimulation where hypertension is uncontrolled or unstable; hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. Avoid excessive stimulation in weak patients.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Heat, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1177/1534735409343446
Hot Spots Press Needles for acupressure self-treatment
Hot Spots™ Press Needles
Sterile 1.5mm press needles on 3M backing tape · 100 per box
$19.99
per box · choose the quantity at checkout
Self-Treatment Guide PDF
Complete home treatment manual – $12.99

Using Acupoints for Frozen Shoulder

Self-Treatment Guidelines

  • Locate acupoints using anatomical landmarks
  • Apply firm, steady pressure for 1-3 minutes
  • Treat 2-3 times daily for best results

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Severe or persistent Frozen Shoulder
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

Disclaimer: The acupoint information provided is for educational purposes only.