Jugu (LI16) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Accurate Location and Acupressure Method

What is Jeogeol?

Jeogeol (肩髃, LI16) is an acupoint belonging to the Large Intestine meridian (Yang Brightness Large Intestine meridian) in traditional Korean medicine. “Geo” means shoulder, and “geol” means bone, indicating that it is located in the depressed area of the shoulder bone. This acupoint is widely known as a representative treatment point for shoulder and arm-related conditions, and its efficacy has been documented in ancient medical texts.

How to Find the Exact Location

Location: The depressed area between the acromion (outer end of the shoulder blade) and the scapular spine (protruding back part of the shoulder blade).

How to Find It (Step by Step):

1. Sit or stand in a comfortable position and relax your shoulders.
2. Feel the upper shoulder area, and you’ll notice the protruding bone.
3. Find the outer end of the clavicle (acromion).
4. About 1-2cm inward from the acromion toward the back in the depressed area is Jeogeol.
5. The exact location is where you feel slight pain or tingling when you press with your finger.

Acupressure Method

What You’ll Need: Thumb or acupressure tool

Acupressure Steps:

1. Sit in a comfortable position, relax your shoulders, and locate Jeogeol precisely.
2. Place your thumb perpendicular to Jeogeol and apply pressure slowly.
3. Maintain a pressure level that is slightly painful but bearable (perceptible pressure, about 5-7/10).
4. Press for 5-10 seconds, then slowly release the pressure.
5. Repeat 10-15 times or massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes.
6. Perform 2-3 times a day (morning, evening, and as needed).

Main Benefits

• Relieves Shoulder Pain: Effective for various shoulder conditions such as stiffness, muscle pain, and frozen shoulder.
• Improves Arm Pain and Numbness: Alleviates nerve pain, numbness, and pain in the arm.
• Promotes Upper Body Circulation: Improves blood circulation in the shoulders and arms, helping with fatigue recovery.
• Relieves Neuralgia: Helps with nervous system disorders such as cervical neuralgia and upper limb neuralgia.
• Stress Relief: Relieves shoulder tension and contributes to overall fatigue and stress relief.

When Should You Apply Acupressure?

Best Time: Best after waking up in the morning or before bed at night. At these times, your body is in a relaxed state, maximizing the effectiveness of acupressure.

Recommended Situations:

• When your shoulders are tense from prolonged computer work
• When you have neck and shoulder pain
• When your arm is numb or in pain
• When your shoulders are stiff due to stress
• For prevention of frozen shoulder or other shoulder conditions
• For upper body fatigue recovery after exercise

Precautions

Contraindications: Avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, apply only very light pressure or seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Important Notes: Pressing too hard during acupressure can damage nerves or blood vessels, so always maintain a pressure level that is slightly painful but bearable. Avoid if you have acute inflammation, wounds, or skin conditions. If you have chronic conditions or severe symptoms, be sure to consult a Korean medicine practitioner or doctor and practice acupressure under professional guidance.

Duration of Effects: While individual results vary, symptom relief can typically be felt within 1-2 weeks with regular acupressure. Consistent practice is important for long-term benefits.