Governing Vessel
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DU-1
Luo-Connecting Point
Entry Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Back — Sacral, Hip / Gluteal
Location
Midway between the tip of the coccyx and the anus.
Main Actions
- Regulates Governing and Directing Vessels
- Regulates the two lower orifices
- Calms the Mind
- Removes Dampness
Indications
Tetany
Diarrhea
Epilepsy
Dark Urine
Depression
Head tremor
Haemorrhoids
Opisthotonos
Rectum prolapse
Painful urination
Urinary retention
Urinary difficulty
Defecation difficulty
Commentary
Changqiang DU-1 is the meeting point of the Directing and Governing Vessel, thus it regulates both extradentary Vessels and removes their obstructions.
It regulates the two lower orifices, so as to treat painful urination, urinary difficulty, retention of urine, dark urine, haemorrhoids, difficult defecation, diarrhoea and prolapse of rectum.
It is able to treat haemorrhoids by removing Damp-Heat from the anus. It is also widely used to cure rectum prolapse.
The Governing Vessel has a substantial influence over the Mind (Shen), as it passes the Kidney Essence, in the form of Marrow, to the Brain. As the starting point of the Vessel, Changqiang DU-1 can be stimulated to influence the Brain on the other end of the Vessel. Thus it opens the Mind's orifices and calm the Mind.
Finally, it expels Interior Wind as well, so as to treat opisthotonos, tetany, epilepsy or tremor of head.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Classic of the Spiritual Pivot): First classical source documenting Changqiang as part of the Du Mai channel system.
Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "Changqiang and Xiaochangshu treat difficulty with urination and defecation, and lin syndrome (painful urination)."
Yulong Fu (Jade Dragon Ode): "Moxibustion at Changqiang and Chengshan is most marvelous for hemorrhoids."
Baizheng Fu (Hundred Symptoms Ode): "Needling Changqiang together with Chengshan excellently treats intestinal wind with fresh rectal bleeding."
Zhenjiuziyao Jing (Needling and Moxibustion Resource Scripture): "Changqiang and Shenzhu treat children's fright epilepsy."
How to Locate
From the tip of the coccyx, palpate with pressure towards the anus. Changqiang DU-1 is located in the midpoint.
Caution
Do not puncture through to the rectum to prevent infection. Needle obliquely upward along the anterior surface of the coccyx. This is a sensitive area requiring patient communication and proper draping. Ensure sterile technique due to proximity to the anal region. Avoid deep or perpendicular needling. Some classical sources advise caution or contraindication for moxibustion at this point.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically. Caution: Avoid puncturing the rectum.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness radiating to the anus. Some patients may experience a sensation extending upward along the spine or a feeling of warmth spreading through the perineal region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes; 3–7 moxa cones for direct moxibustion
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Luo-Connecting Point
Entry Point
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