The deep shoulder point of the Small Intestine channel. Naoshu (SI-10) reaches into the posterior shoulder joint, eases stubborn pain and stiffness, and — as a meeting point of four channels — extends its reach far beyond the local area.
Contraindications
No special contraindications are noted in the sources for this point. Standard clean needling technique and appropriate depth apply.
Name & story
The name 臑俞 Naoshu means roughly "Upper Arm Shu" — 臑 (nao) refers to the upper arm or the fleshy part of the shoulder region, and 俞 (shu) means a transport point, a place where Qi gathers and flows inward. The name is simply a clear anatomical landmark: this is the point on the shoulder where Qi from the upper arm is received and transported deeper. There is no elaborate legend, but the name itself is precise and honest — it tells you exactly where it lives and what it does.
Point family & character
Naoshu (SI-10) belongs to the Small Intestine Meridian (SI). What makes it especially significant is its status as a meeting point — it is where the Small Intestine Meridian (SI) intersects with the Yang Motility vessel (Yangqiao Mai) and the Yang Linking vessel (Yangwei Mai). This triple meeting gives the point an influence over the shoulder that goes well beyond a simple local point.
Five-element dynamics
The Small Intestine is the Yang channel of the Fire element, paired with the Heart. It runs along the back of the arm and wraps around the posterior shoulder — making this region its home territory. When Qi and Blood (Xue) stagnate in the shoulder, or when Wind and Cold settle into the joint, Naoshu (SI-10) activates the channel and pushes the stagnation through. Its connection to the Yang Motility and Yang Linking vessels also means it can influence the flow of Yang Qi across the entire posterior and lateral body.
Location
Find the posterior axillary crease — the fold at the back of the armpit when the arm hangs down. Slide a finger straight upward from there until it falls into the hollow just below the spine of the scapula (the bony ridge across the back of the shoulder blade). That depression is Naoshu (SI-10). Another helpful guide: slide a finger directly upward from Jianzhen SI-9 until it drops into the same depression.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies in the depression just inferior to the scapular spine, in the posterior aspect of the shoulder. It sits directly above the posterior axillary crease when the arm hangs naturally at the side.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly. It can penetrate deeply into the shoulder joint, which makes it particularly useful for posterior shoulder problems.
Safe depth
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxa and warming therapies suit this point well, especially when Cold or Wind-Cold has settled into the shoulder joint, causing stiffness and aching that worsens in cold weather. Cupping over the posterior shoulder region — including Naoshu (SI-10) — is a classic complementary approach for stubborn shoulder pain. Tui Na and local massage are also appropriate.
Functions
Benefits the shoulder and alleviates pain; Activates the channel and unblocks Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis in the shoulder region; Expels Wind, Cold and Dampness from the joint; Clears the Yang Motility and Yang Linking vessels.
Indications
Pain and swelling of the shoulder, especially the posterior aspect, that may radiate into the scapula. Weakness, pain or inability to raise the arm. Stiffness of the shoulder joint. Chills and fever. Scrofula (lymph node swellings in the neck area).
Point combinations
With Jianzhen SI-9 — the two neighbouring points are often needled together to address pain and restricted movement of the posterior shoulder. With local points such as Jianyu LI-15 and Jianliao SJ-14 — for comprehensive coverage of the shoulder joint from multiple angles. The Yang Motility and Yang Linking vessel connections mean that pairing with other points on those vessels can extend its reach to the broader Yang surface of the body.
Clinical spotlight
Naoshu (SI-10) is one of the go-to points for stubborn posterior shoulder pain — its position allows deep penetration into the shoulder joint itself, which sets it apart from more superficial local points. What makes it clinically interesting is its triple-channel meeting nature: because it is where the Small Intestine Meridian (SI) meets both the Yang Motility vessel and the Yang Linking vessel, its influence over the posterior and lateral aspects of the shoulder is unusually broad. Deadman notes that it is "commonly used for pain and stiffness of the shoulder, especially its posterior aspect", and that this influence is "augmented" precisely by these vessel connections. It is also listed among points with applications for chills and fever and for scrofula — a reminder that channel points are never purely local in their thinking.
The golden tip
For shoulder stiffness or aching in the back of the shoulder, the area around Naoshu (SI-10) responds well to gentle self-massage or a warm compress. Find the hollow just below the bony ridge across the back of your shoulder blade (the scapular spine) and apply firm, circular pressure with your fingertips, or hold a warm heat pack there for 10–15 minutes. This is especially comforting when the shoulder aches in cold or damp weather.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.