Pathway

It begins at LI-1, covers the dorsal muscles of the index finger and around LI-4, and inserts into the wrist joint, near LI-5 (anatomical snuffbox). Passes through the antero-external side of the forearm (epicondylitis). Inserts at the elbow in the zone of LI-11, ascends along the external side of the arm inserting at the deltoid tuberosity and at LI-15 where it bifurcates:

• One branch projects through the supraspinous fossa and inserts into the first dorsal vertebrae.
• Another branch continues over the shoulder, ascends along the lateral side of the neck and inserts into the angle of the mandible (ST-6). From here it bifurcates again:
  • One branch goes to the side of the nose (same side)
  • Another branch goes up in front of the ear to the hairline at point GB-13 to join the other Yang muscle channels of the hand. Crosses the forehead and reaches the angle of the mandible on the opposite side.

Symptoms

Pain, contracture, tightness.

• Epicondylitis or tennis elbow (which can also be from the computer mouse).
• Shoulder and scapula problems.
• Cervical problem with pain and difficulty turning the neck to both sides.

It is important to palpate the insertion points of the muscle channel.