Governing Vessel
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DU-8
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Back — Upper (Thoracic)
Location
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
Main Actions
- Pacifies Liver Wind
- Relieves spasm
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
The Liver controls the sinews and the upstirring Liver Wind is responsible for various disorders such as abnormal movement, muscle spasms, spine stiffness or contraction, tremor and epilepsy. Jinsuo is translated to 'Sinew contraction' or ‘Tendon spasm’ in Chinese. It is most used for soothes the Liver and pacifies the internal Wind so as to relieve spasm.
It can also be used to calm the Mind by removing Liver Qi Stagnation.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented this point, establishing its location below the 9th thoracic vertebra and its primary indications for treating convulsions and spasms.
Name Etymology: 筋 (Jīn) refers to sinews, tendons, and connective tissues broadly, while 缩 (Suō) means contraction or spasm. The point is named for its primary function of treating conditions where the sinews contract abnormally—such as muscle spasms, convulsions, and epileptic seizures. Located at the level of BL-18 Ganshu (Liver Back-Shu point), it reflects the TCM principle that the Liver governs the sinews.
How to Locate
Locate the Tufffier's line, which connects the two most superior points on the iliac crest. It generally intersects with the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra (L4). Then locate the 9th thoracic vertebra by counting up 7. Locate Jinsuo DU-8 below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9) on the midline.
Caution
This point requires careful needling technique due to proximity to the spinal canal. In smaller individuals, the spinal canal may be reached at depths as shallow as 1.25 cun regardless of body weight. Deep perpendicular insertion is contraindicated. Always needle with the patient's back straight or flexed, and use oblique insertion directed inferiorly. Oblique insertions should only be performed by experienced practitioners.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun strictly vertically to the skin or obliquely in an inferior direction, with the patient’s back straight or flexed in order to avoid puncturing the spinal canal. Oblique insertions should only be carried out by experienced practitioners, as in small persons, irrespective of their body weight, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point. Sensation may radiate along the spine or laterally toward the ribs. Some patients report a warm or spreading sensation in the mid-back region.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
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