Governing Vessel
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DU-6
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
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 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen and expel Dampness
- Benefits the spine
Indications
Commentary
Jizhong DU-6 is mainly used to strengthens the Spleen and its ability to transformation Body Fluids. Therefore it can expel Dampness so as to treat abdominal fullness and masses with poor appetite, jaundice, diarrhoea, bloody stool, give types of haemorrhoids and rectum prolapse in children.
It can also treat waist stiffness, epilepsy and warm febrile disease.
Classical Sources
《素问·玉机真藏论》 (Su Wen - Discussion on the True Viscera in the Jade Cabinet): This is the earliest classical text mentioning Jizhong, establishing it as a Du Mai point.
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing - A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Abdominal fullness with inability to eat" (腹满不能食) and "lumbar and spinal stiffness preventing bending" (腰脊强不得俯仰), as well as jaundice.
《针灸大成》 (Zhenjiu Dacheng - Great Compendium of Acupuncture): "Treats wind epilepsy and madness, jaundice, abdominal fullness, inability to eat, five types of hemorrhoids with bloody stool, warm diseases, accumulations, diarrhea, and childhood rectal prolapse." Needle 5 fen, withdraw upon obtaining Qi. Moxibustion is prohibited - it causes the back to become hunched.
《铜人腧穴针灸图经》 (Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing - Bronze Figure Classic): "Moxibustion is prohibited; moxibustion causes the waist and back to become hunched" (禁不可灸，灸则令人腰背伛偻).
《类经图翼》 (Leijing Tuyi - Illustrated Supplement to the Classified Classic): Notes that for children with dysentery with red and white discharge, and rectal prolapse at the end of autumn with unbearable pain during defecation, moxibustion may be used without harm.
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 11th thoracic vertebra by counting up 5. Locate Jizhong DU-6 below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11) on the midline.
Caution
This point lies directly over the spinal canal. Deep or perpendicular needling poses significant risk of damaging the spinal cord. In smaller individuals, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun regardless of body weight. Always needle obliquely in a downward (inferior) direction with the patient's back flexed to widen the interspinous space. Strictly avoid moxibustion according to classical sources - it is said to cause the back to become hunched (伛偻). Only experienced practitioners should needle this point.
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 site. Deqi sensation may radiate along the spine superiorly or inferiorly. Some patients may experience a spreading sensation toward the abdomen. Practitioners should needle carefully to avoid deep penetration toward the spinal canal.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A - Moxibustion contraindicated at this point
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
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