SI9 Jianzhen Dog Acupuncture Point
Jiān Zhēn 肩贞Professional veterinary acupuncture overview of SI9 Jianzhen in dogs, including anatomical location, shoulder and back pain support applications, and safety notes.
| Chinese Name | 肩贞 |
| Pinyin | Jiān Zhēn |
| Meridian | Small Intestine Meridian (SI) |
| Anatomical Location | 1 cun above the posterior axillary fold (with the arm relaxed at the side), in the depression between the deltoid and triceps muscles, behind the glenohumeral joint. |
| Main Indications | Shoulder and back pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, inability to raise the arm, scapular pain, tinnitus, deafness, tremor, peripheral paralysis. |
| Classical Function | Local point for shoulder and arm pain and/or movement/control issues. |
| Meridian Color | Small Intestine Meridian | Fire (Yang Fire) | Red / Crimson |
Clinical Overview
In veterinary acupuncture practice, SI9 is a local shoulder point for dogs with shoulder and upper arm pain, limited range of motion, and scapular discomfort.
TCVM practitioners often include SI9 in protocols aimed at relieving shoulder and scapular pain, removing obstructions in the Taiyang meridian, and improving joint mobility.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This educational content is not intended to replace professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary acupuncturist.
SI9 Canine Acupuncture Point Placeholder
Use this area for the canine SI9 map or your future TCVM illustration.
Pinpoint Location
Anatomical Landmark
SI9 is located posterior and inferior to the shoulder joint. With the arm adducted (arm relaxed at the side), this point is 1 cun above the posterior end of the axillary fold. It lies in the depression just below the posterior border of the deltoid muscle, between the deltoid and triceps muscles, behind the glenohumeral joint.
Primary Clinical Indications
- Shoulder and back pain: A local point for shoulder joint and muscle disorders.
- Shoulder pain: Frequently used for pain and/or Tinnitus, and inability to raise the arm.
- Arm pain: Often included in upper limb dysfunction and neuromuscular protocols.
- Peripheral paralysis: Key point in protocols for post-traumatic paralysis and motor control issues.
Recommended Point Pairings
In clinical veterinary acupuncture, SI9 is often paired with other shoulder and upper limb support points depending on presentation.
Frequently paired with SI10, LI15, and TE14 to release contractures and improve joint range of motion.
Often combined with SI3, LI4, and ST36 for forelimb support and mobility.
May be integrated into multimodal support strategies involving acupuncture, rehabilitation, and medical management.
Modern Veterinary Interpretation
From a modern veterinary rehabilitation perspective, SI9 is positioned at the posterior shoulder and is often used as a local point for shoulder pain and limited ROM.
Integrative veterinarians may include this point within broader shoulder, forelimb, and pain-support plans involving acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and medical management.
Safety & Needling Notes
Professional Veterinary Use
Because SI9 lies posterior and inferior to the shoulder joint, needling depth and angle should only be handled by trained veterinary professionals. Recommended technique: needle perpendicularly 0.5–1.0 cun (or 1–1.5 cun deeper if in the depression between deltoid and triceps).
Gentle Acupressure Guidance
Pet owners exploring supportive acupressure should use only gentle pressure on the posterior shoulder area and discontinue immediately if pain, stress, or guarding occurs.
Editorial & Veterinary Review
This educational resource was prepared by the PetAcu editorial team using veterinary acupuncture references, TCVM educational materials, canine rehabilitation resources, and integrative veterinary literature.
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