Governing Vessel
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DU-11
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 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Heart
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
- Expels Wind
Indications
Commentary
Shendao DU-11 is mostly used to treat the Heart related disharmony. It is located near Xinshu BL-15, which is the the Heart's Back Transporting-Shu point.
Firstly, it tonifies the Heart and calms the Mind so as to treat symptoms such as depression, sadness, anxiety, poor memory, palpitations, disorientation or timidity.
It is also able to clear Heat or Fire, especially in the Heart.
Finally, it extinguishes Interior Wind, and therefore treats lockjaw or epilepsy in children.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经): First recorded this point under the name Shendao, establishing its location below the 5th thoracic vertebra spinous process.
Name interpretation: "Shen" (神) refers to the Heart spirit/mind, and "Dao" (道) means pathway or way. The point is located at the same level as Xinshu BL-15 (Heart Back-Shu point), serving as a pathway for the Heart's Qi and spirit. It treats conditions of mental confusion, sadness, and Heart Qi disharmony.
Classical note: Some classical texts historically forbade needling this point due to proximity to the spinal cord, recommending moxibustion instead.
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 5 spinous processes and locate T5. Shendao DU-11 is in the depression below T5.
Caution
The spinal canal lies approximately 1.25–1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying with body build. In smaller individuals, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun. Always needle obliquely upward (toward the head) rather than perpendicular. Deep insertion is strictly contraindicated. Some classical texts historically forbade needling this point entirely. Practitioners should have the patient flex their back during needling to open the interspinous space.
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
Local distension and soreness at the point, possibly radiating bilaterally across the upper back. Some patients may experience a calming sensation or warmth spreading through the thoracic region. Deqi may manifest as a subtle sense of relaxation.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes; or 3–5 moxa cones
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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