LI9 Shanglian: On the dorsal thumb-side LI5–LI11 line, measure three B-cun towards the wrist from the elbow crease. Landmark schematic; not to scale.

LI9 (Shanglian / Upper Ridge) Acupuncture Point Guide

October 18, 2026

Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.

LI9 Shanglian belongs to the Large Intestine channel. This Project Lotus guide focuses on reliable surface landmarks, nearby-point distinctions and safe professional assessment.

Quick reference

Point	LI9 — Shanglian
Channel	Large Intestine — Hand Yangming
Traditional classification	Channel point
Region	Posterolateral forearm
Laterality	Bilateral

Location and landmark sequence

On the dorsal thumb-side LI5–LI11 line, measure three B-cun towards the wrist from the elbow crease.

Support the limb so the illustrated surface is accessible. Confirm the thumb or little-finger side for hand and forearm points, or the inner or outer ankle for foot points.
Palpate the named joint, bone or tendon landmarks before estimating a position.
On the dorsal thumb-side LI5–LI11 line, measure three B-cun towards the wrist from the elbow crease.
Check the relationship to nearby points and reassess on the individual patient.

Use the patient’s proportional B-cun measurement. For these forearm locations, the wrist-to-elbow reference interval is twelve B-cun. A centimetre ruler or a universal finger-width estimate cannot replace that assessment.

Distinguishing nearby points

LI9 is three units from the elbow; LI10 is two and LI8 is four. Do not measure these offsets from the wrist.

Traditional context

Channel point is the traditional classification used here. Classification helps organise channel theory; it is not evidence that an individual point treats a particular disease. Selection depends on a complete assessment and a coherent treatment principle.

Traditional functions and applications

Within traditional East Asian medicine, this point is described in terms of large intestine harmonisation; channel activation.

Traditionally discussed for digestive-pattern symptoms and pain or restricted movement in the upper limb. These are historical treatment concepts, not proven disease-specific effects of this point alone. Select points from the full assessment rather than a symptom list.

Moxibustion

Moxa is not an automatic addition. Assess the treatment principle, skin condition and sensation; use appropriate training, supervision and burn prevention if heat is considered.

Anatomy and essential safety

Forearm tendons, cutaneous nerves and vessels vary between patients. Assess the tissue rather than transferring a fixed image distance. Avoid provoking electric pain, numbness or a sharp neurological sensation.

Inspect skin, circulation and sensation; avoid infected, ulcerated or otherwise unsuitable tissue.
Review relevant medication, bleeding risk, pregnancy, surgery and previous reactions.
Use sterile single-use needles, appropriate infection control and safe sharps disposal.
Choose depth, angle and stimulation through accredited training and patient-specific anatomical assessment.

When assessment takes priority

A hot swollen limb with fever, new weakness, persistent numbness, significant trauma or an infected wound needs medical assessment. Acute chest pain, collapse or severe breathlessness requires emergency care; a traditional channel association must never delay referral.