Governing Vessel
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
DU-10
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 — Upper (Thoracic)
Location
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and detoxifies
- Eases cough and wheezing
Indications
Commentary
Lingtai DU-10 is mainly used to clear Heat and remove toxin, especially in the Spleen. It treats symptoms such as carbuncles, furuncles or clove sores. Some patients suffer from the feeling of steaming bones due to excessive physical work, which can be treated by this point as well.
On the other hand, it is also able to harmonizes the Upper Burner by easing wheezing and alleviating chronic coughing.
Classical Sources
Suwen (Simple Questions) - Wang Bing's Commentary: First mentioned the point as being located "below the spinous process of the sixth vertebra."
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 282 CE): Established Lingtai as a point of the Du Mai channel with indications for treating cough, asthma, neck stiffness, and back pain.
Name Significance: "Ling" (灵) means spirit or divine, while "Tai" (台) means platform or tower. The name refers to the point's proximity to the heart region—the dwelling place of the Shen (spirit). The point is also called "Feidi" (肺底, Lung Base) because it relates to the lower aspect of the lungs.
How to Locate
Firstly locate C6 by running the finger down the neck along the midline as it is the first palpable cervical vertebral spinous process. It becomes impalpable when the patients extend their neck. C7 is below C6 and it is still palpable despite that the neck is extended. Then from C7, count down 6 spinous processes and locate T6. Lingtai DU-10 is in the depression below T6.
Caution
The spinal cord lies approximately 1.25–1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying by body type. In smaller individuals, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun. Always use oblique upward insertion directed superiorly, not perpendicular. Perpendicular deep needling risks spinal cord injury. Keep the patient's back straight or slightly flexed during needling. This point should only be needled by experienced practitioners.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
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
Distention and soreness at the point site, sometimes extending to the lower back or radiating to the chest. The deqi sensation may feel like a spreading warmth or heaviness along the spine.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes; or 3–5 moxa cones
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians