Shousanli Point (LI-10 / Hand Three Li)
Dredges the meridians and unblocks the collaterals, harmonizes the stomach and benefits the intestines. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for facial beautification, toothache, trigeminal neuralgia, arm numbness and pain, acute lumbar sprain, abdominal pain, and enteritis.
Indications
Unblocks meridians and collaterals, clears heat and brightens the eyes, regulates the stomach and intestines. Treats abdominal pain, arm swelling and pain, upper limb immobility, cholera with incontinence, aphonia, toothache, cheek and jaw swelling, scrofula, arm numbness, elbow contracture with inability to extend, facial deviation due to stroke, and limb immobility. (1) Head, face and orificial diseases: Toothache, trigeminal neuralgia, cheek swelling, pharyngitis, eye diseases, facial paralysis, epistaxis, freckles, melasma. (2) Upper limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Shoulder-arm pain, arm numbness and weakness, elbow pain, finger numbness. (3) Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal pain, distension, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation. (4) Lumbar pain, especially acute lumbar sprain. (5) Conditions due to insufficient body fluids: Dry mouth, sore throat, diabetes, constipation.
Precise Location
On the forearm, on the line connecting Yangxi (LI-5) and Quchi (LI-11), 3 cun below the tip of the elbow (olecranon). ※Correction Note: Many ancient texts and clinical practice confirm that "Sanli" of Shousanli refers to 3 cun below the elbow tip, not 2 cun below the elbow crease as some texts suggest. For accurate clinical results, the elbow tip (olecranon) should be used as the reference point.
Location Method
Flex the elbow and locate the elbow tip (olecranon). Measure 3 cun downward (approximately the width of four fingers) along the radial side of the dorsal forearm – the point is where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation. (Note: The point must remain on the line connecting Quchi and Yangxi; do not deviate.)
Massage Method
① Massage: Press, knead, or pluck with the thumb. ② Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. Press, knead, or pluck Shousanli to treat upper limb bi-pain, abdominal pain with diarrhea, and eye pain. Using the pads of both hands' fingers, press Shousanli. For self-massage, use the index fingers of both hands to press the opposite side's point. About 2 minutes per session, twice daily, with moderate pressure. Therapeutic actions: Regulates the stomach and intestines, unblocks meridians and collaterals, clears heat and brightens the eyes.
Compatibility
Diarrhea: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Upper limb immobility: Combine with Quchi (LI-11). Upper limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Combine with Quchi (LI-11), Hegu (LI-4), and Waiguan (TE-5). Abdominal pain, distension, vomiting and diarrhea: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36) and Neiguan (PC-6). Regulate stomach and intestines: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Throat obstruction: Combine with Wenliu (LI-7), Quchi (LI-11), and Fenglong (ST-40). Sore throat with inability to speak: Combine with Zhongzhu (TE-3) and Quchi (LI-11). Toothache: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Yangxi (LI-5). Facial beautification: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Zusanli (ST-36), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Yingxiang (LI-20), and Renying (ST-9). Stubborn numbness of both arms, shoulder and back pain: Combine with Shaohai (HT-3).
Efficacy & Actions
Shousanli belongs to the Large Intestine meridian. It unblocks the meridians and collaterals, nourishes the face for beauty, clears heat and brightens the eyes, and regulates the stomach and intestines. It is a commonly used point for flaccidity/bi-syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shou" indicates the point is located on the hand; "Sanli" means three cun – this point is 3 cun from the tip of the elbow, hence named "Hand Three Li." (1) Common Point for Upper Limb Flaccidity/Bi-Syndrome: It relaxes tendons and unblocks collaterals, excelling at treating meridian disorders such as upper limb immobility and shoulder-arm pain. The Illustrated Manual of Acupoints on the Bronze Figure states: "It treats arm numbness and elbow contracture with inability to extend." It is especially effective for acute lumbar sprain. (2) Specific Point for Lumbar Pain: The Zhenjiu Jiayijing records: "Lumbar pain with inability to lie down – Shousanli is the primary point." Based on the meridian sinew pathway – the Large Intestine sinew has a branch that "wraps around the middle of the shoulder and runs alongside the spine" – it is most effective for lumbar pain within 0.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel. (3) Common Point for Head, Face and Orificial Disorders: The Large Intestine meridian ascends to the head and face and is rich in qi and blood. According to the principle "where the meridian passes, there it treats," it is used for facial beautification and trigeminal neuralgia – especially when accompanied by constipation, where relieving the bowel movement also relieves the pain. (4) Effective Point for Gastrointestinal Disorders: The Large Intestine is the organ of transmission. Needling here harmonizes the stomach and benefits the intestines. Often combined with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36) for abdominal pain, distension, diarrhea, and indigestion. (5) Treats Conditions Due to Insufficient Body Fluids: The Large Intestine meridian governs fluids. For dry mouth, dry throat, constipation, and diabetes due to inadequate fluid distribution, needling Shousanli can promote fluid production and moisten dryness.
Contraindications
Moxibustion is applicable to this point. When locating the point, ensure it remains on the line connecting Quchi and Yangxi; deviation will result in inaccurate positioning.