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Self-acupressure at Jianjing (GB21)
肩井（けんせい）
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: China and Japan · Tradition: Self-care at acupuncture points · Manual therapy & points
What it is
A point at the border of the neck and shoulder, around the highest part of the shoulder. It is often pressed in daily life for stiff shoulders.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- With the opposite middle finger, gently press or pinch the tight area around the top of the shoulder.
- For 10 to 20 seconds, several times, without holding the breath.
- Do not stimulate strongly in pregnancy (traditionally a forbidden point).
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Stiff shoulders
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Stress or unease
Related symptom videos
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read
This sits in the wider practice of self-massage for stiff shoulders. High-quality trials limited to Jianjing are few.
Sources
Safety notes
If there is sudden one-sided neck or shoulder pain, numbness, or dizziness, do not press; seek care. Avoid in pregnancy.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- Pregnancy
- Acute nerve symptoms
- Trauma near the collarbone