Journal of Acupuncture Research (Aug 2021)

How to Insert Acupuncture Needles into the Subacromial Space through LI15

  • Kwang Ho Lee

DOI
https://doi.org/10.13045/jar.2021.00129
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 38, no. 3
pp. 242 – 244

Abstract

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LI15 is an important acupuncture point to treat shoulder pain. There are 4 needling methods for LI15 in the textbook; 1 method requires the insertion of the needle horizontally between the acromion and the great tuberosity of the humerus with the arm lowered for supraspinatus tendonitis. This method is also applicable for all conditions of rotator cuff disease, but it has not previously been described in detail. Providing X-ray scans and describing needle direction and depth of insertion will provide evidence for needling with the arm down as an effective stimulation of the subacromial space. Firstly, for this technique, with the arm raised, a concave point is located between the front edge of the acromion and the humerus, and the lower upper arm. Secondly, the acupuncture needle is inserted slightly posteriorly towards the supraspinous fossa, in the direction of the supraspinatus tendon and to a depth of 30–40 mm.

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