44.06 - jian zhong (Shoulder Center)
As the name Jian Zhong implies, the point 44.06 is in the middle of the deltoid muscle and on the LI meridian.
Indications
These points have a wide range of uses, I mostly use them for treating pain in the shoulder and needle on the opposite side from the diseased shoulder. When treating disorders of the shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands, it is often useful to needle the side opposite of the affected side. This helps to avoid possible adverse reactions that can occur with local needling.
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It is also useful to think of these points as treating disorders related to kidney patterns such as knee pain, back pain, sciatica, foot pain, and weakness in the legs. In meridian systems theory, such as used in the Balance Method and Master Tung style acupuncture, a connection between the kidney and large intestine meridians is recognized via the horary cycle.​​​​​
Notes
Many​ points on the LI meridian can be used for treating kidney related disorders such as lumbar pain, knee pain, spinal conditions, arthritis, and problems of the legs and feet. The point Ling Gu (22.05) is very powerful for acute lumbar pain, and when paired with LI 11 is effective for many kinds of problems affecting the knees.
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In some regards, Jian Zhong can be used like Ling Gu, but the results tend not to be so powerful. However, for some chronic patterns, or when Ling Gu has already been needled many times, Jian Zhong can provide additional benefits.
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In some conditions, such as hemiplegia, it is benficial to needle 44.06 with Ling Gu and LI 11. This dao ma, uses 3 points on the LI meridian in different regions of the body and can also be useful for back, spinal, knee, and leg disorders that occur concurrently. Additional needles can also be added and should be selected based on the patients overall condition. For instance, common points to include in this point prescription include 22.04, 22.07, SJ 5, LI 10, 44.11, or 44.12. Not all of these points should be needled at the same time as the Ling Gu, LI 11, 44.06 dao ma, rather select 1 - 3 points based on the patients needs. If the primary concern in lumbar pain using 22.04 and 22.07 can be used. However, if a patient suffers from knee or elbow pain, LI 10 may be added. Remember to needle the healthy side for all of these listed conditions.
As a final note these points are also used for a variety of heart, circulatory, and skin conditions.
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