AcuiQ

Acupuncture Points for Shoulder Blade Pain

3 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Shoulder Blade Pain:

Shoulder Blade PainArthritis RheumatoidArthritis RheumatoidFever RheumaticFever RheumaticFibrositis

Points cited for Shoulder Blade Pain

How often each point appears across the 3 entries ranked highest for Shoulder Blade Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • SI11Heavenly GatheringSmall Intestine Meridian2 of 3
  • BL43Vital Region Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 3
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian1 of 3
  • GB21Shoulder WellGallbladder Meridian1 of 3
  • LI15Shoulder And ClavicleLarge Intestine Meridian1 of 3
  • SI04Wrist BoneSmall Intestine Meridian1 of 3
  • SI10Upper Arm Shu PointSmall Intestine Meridian1 of 3
  • SI12Grasping The WindSmall Intestine Meridian1 of 3
  • SI14Outer Shoulder PointSmall Intestine Meridian1 of 3
  • SI15Middle Shoulder PointSmall Intestine Meridian1 of 3
  • XU12Shoulder Front / Shoulder MausoleumExtra Points: Upper limbs1 of 3

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (5 points)

96%

SI04 · SI11 · SI15 · GB20 · GB21

Shoulder Blade PainHeadache OccipitalNeck PainArm NumbnessCervical PainRadiculopathy CervicalScapular Pain
Point 1 of 5

SI04Wrist Bone

SI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腕骨 (wàn gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the ulnar side of the palm in the depression the between base of the 5th metacarpal bone and hamate bone.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Jaundice, Heat, Spleen Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000039483 ↗
Not corroborated. No other study in the index uses any of these points for this search.

Protocol (3 points)

64%

LI15 · SI10 · XU12

Shoulder Blade PainShoulder PainTrigger-point MyofascialInjury Rotator Cuff
Point 1 of 3

LI15Shoulder And Clavicle

LI15 acupoint
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🗺️ 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:10.2147/JPR.S591459 ↗
Not corroborated. No other study in the index uses any of these points for this search.

Protocol (4 points)

36%

SI11 · SI12 · SI14 · BL43

Bi SyndromeFever RheumaticArthritis RheumatoidFibrositisNeuralgiaGoutShoulder Blade PainBi SyndromeFever RheumaticArthritis RheumatoidShoulder Blade Pain
Point 1 of 4

SI11Heavenly Gathering

SI11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天宗 (tiān zōng)

🎯 Location: On the scapula in the depression of the center of the subscapular fossa and at the level of the 4th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Rule out fracture, dislocation and joint instability before needling, and do not needle into an acutely swollen joint or a haemarthrosis.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Qi Stagnation, Chest Fullness, Elbow Pain, Shoulder Blade Pain

Website

Point selection published on a website. Not peer-reviewed – check it before relying on it.

sacredlotus.com ↗
Substantiated by a study. SI11 also appears in a study-reported protocol for the same search. That study did not test this prescription. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000039483 ↗
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Using Acupoints for Shoulder Blade Pain

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 Shoulder Blade Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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