In acupuncture, a small group of acupoints dominates treatment protocols and research attention. While the specific acupoints may vary depending on the school of acupuncture or historical period, the general tendency remains. With more than 300 points across the body, many remain in the shadows.
However, a low profile doesn’t mean no function. One acupoint, Upper Ridge (Shang Lian, LI9), located on the outer forearm, might be generic, but it’s not irrelevant. It plays a role in maintaining the energy flow of the Large Intestine meridian.
Functions Without the Fame
First documented in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”), Shang Lian does not belong to any special category of acupoints with exceptional therapeutic properties. Instead, its noted functions are somewhat common: to help “unblock the meridian” and “relax the tendons and muscles.” While these functions are not unique, they still provide clinical utility. Shang Lian is applied for symptoms connected to its meridian or energy pathway—the large intestine—and for muscular issues in its immediate area.
Practical Applications
Shang Lian is used to address signs of energy stagnation in the Large Intestine meridian. These include abdominal pain, borborygmus (stomach gurgling), and dark-colored urine. It is also used for local musculoskeletal issues of the arms, shoulders, and elbows. TCM practitioners also include Shang Lian in protocols for tennis elbow and inflammation of the elbow joint.
Modern Research
Shang Lian receives minimal attention in modern acupuncture studies. However, one clinical case demonstrated its diagnostic potential when a TCM physician used meridian palpation, tracing the pathways of meridians to evaluate the circulation of vital energy and blood in the meridians. The method revealed a nodule at Shang Lian that corresponded with a patient’s symptoms of stomach burning and belching. The findings suggest a connection between the acupoint and its corresponding organ.
Moreen Liao
R.Ph. of TCM (Taiwan)
Moreen was born into a family with a lineage of four generations of traditional Chinese medicine doctors and professors.
She was Dean of the Natural Therapies Institute in Sydney, Australia.
Drawing on her family heritage, she created a certified organic wellness brand, and co-founded the largest Chinese medical image encyclopedia online.
