Have you ever tried to explain your shoulder pain to someone, only to say something vague like “it just hurts?” Many don’t differentiate between sharp, dull, or achy pain because we assume the solution will be the same. Painkillers are often distributed as a one-size-fits-all remedy, regardless of what your body is trying to communicate.
However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a more nuanced approach with a variety of acupoints to target different types of shoulder pain. One of those points is the Upper Arm Shu (Nao Shu, SI10) acupoint in your shoulder, which allows for a more precise and intentional method of addressing shoulder discomfort. It alleviates pain and targets its underlying causes.
An Ancient Acupoint With Wide Connections
Nao Shu was first documented in “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing”—“The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,” one of the earliest surviving texts detailing acupuncture points and their uses. What sets this point apart is its location on the Small Intestine meridian and its unique connection to two extraordinary vessels: the Yang Linking Vessel and Yang Stepping Vessel.
These two energetic highways circulate vital energy throughout the body and help regulate the balance of yin and yang. Because the acupoint below Nao Shu disperses energy widely across the shoulder region, Nao Shu often needs additional stimulation as it receives support from these two vessels.
This triple connection means that, in addition to providing local shoulder relief, Nao Shu is also a key point for clearing such pathogenic forces as cold and dampness from the area. Some TCM doctors believe it can help remove cold lingering in the lungs, making it a helpful option in cases where external pathogenic factors affect both the shoulder and the respiratory system.
How Nao Shu Helps
Clinically, Nao Shu is often used when shoulder pain comes with swelling, weakness, or limited range of motion. Whether the discomfort stems from overuse, injury, or chronic tension, Nao Shu helps restore circulation and ease inflammation. It’s often paired with nearby acupoints to treat frozen shoulder, muscle stiffness, and radiating arm pain. If your shoulder feels stuck or sore, this is one of the first points you’ll want to activate.
Modern Research Supports Its Effectiveness
Modern studies back up the choice of acupoints that TCM practitioners have applied for centuries. In a clinical trial on post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome, acupuncture paired with rehab exercises outperformed rehab alone. The patients who received both treatments had significantly less pain and greater improvements in motor function. Their total effective rate reached nearly 87 percent, compared to 63 percent in the control group.
Another study looked at frozen shoulder and compared regular acupuncture with a combined approach using acupuncture plus pricking and cupping near the shoulder. Both groups improved, but the combination group showed stronger results in pain relief, function, and long-term outcomes.
In both cases, acupuncture played a key role in managing shoulder pain and restoring mobility, whether on its own or enhanced by complementary techniques.
How to Locate and Stimulate Nao Shu
To locate this acupoint, raise your arm to the side (as if forming a letter “T”)—Nao Shu is directly above the armpit fold, in the soft dip just below the back edge of the shoulder blade. Due to its connectivity, this acupoint may cause noticeable numbness or soreness when pressed. It is advisable to start with gentle pressure and gradually increase stimulation based on your comfort levels.
You can stimulate Nao Shu yourself with a few simple techniques:
- Pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat this rhythm for up to three minutes on each side.
- Massage: Use your thumb or index finger to massage in slow, steady circles for one to three minutes.
- Herbal patch: Use a high-quality herbal patch overnight for sustained, passive relief.
More advanced methods—like acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion—should only be performed by qualified TCM professionals, especially if you’re dealing with chronic or complex pain.
Precautions
Avoid pressing this area if you have bruises, fractures, or other injuries around the scapula. When using herbal patches, refrain from artificial ingredients or harsh chemicals, especially if you have sensitive skin, and opt for natural formulations instead.
1 Point, 3 Channels, Lasting Benefits
TCM distinguishes between different types of shoulder pain based on cause, location, and sensation. Such nuance allows for treatments tailored to your unique condition, not just the symptoms. Nao Shu is frequently used because of its triple pathway access, making it helpful for preventative care and active treatment. Adding it to your self-care massage routine offers a proactive way to strengthen your body’s natural defense system and keep your shoulders mobile and resilient.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 23 May 2025
