Governing Vessel
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DU-5
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Back — Lower (Lumbar)
Location
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 1st lumber vertebra. (L1)
Main Actions
- Remove the Obstructions from the Channel
- Regulates the Lower Burner
Indications
Commentary
Xuanshu DU-5 is mostly used for treating stiffness of the waist by removing Obstructions from the Channel. Sometimes the patients are not even able to flex or extend their body.
Secondly, it regulates Qi in Lower Burner so as to treat undigested foods in stool, diarrrhoea, shan disorder or testicle retraction.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Xuanshu among the 28 points of the Du Mai, located below the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra.
Du Mai Fen Cun Ge (Song of Du Mai Measurements): "十二悬枢之穴奇" — places Xuanshu at the 12th vertebra (counting from below), emphasizing its position as a pivot point for lumbar movement.
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Describes the Du Mai pathway ascending through the spine, with points like Xuanshu serving to regulate qi in the lower burner and benefit the lumbar spine.
How to Locate
Locate the Tufffier's line, which connects the two most superior points on the iliac crest. It generally intersects with the 4th lumber vertebra (L4). Then locate the 1st lumber vertebra (L1) by counting up three. Locate Xuanshu DU-5 below the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra (L1) on the midline.
Caution
The spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, depending on body build. In small or thin individuals, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun of insertion. Oblique inferior insertions should only be performed by experienced practitioners. Always ensure the patient's back is straight or slightly flexed to increase the intervertebral space and reduce risk of puncturing the spinal canal. Avoid deep perpendicular needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
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, often radiating along the spine superiorly or inferiorly. Some patients may experience a sensation of warmth spreading to the lower back region. Deqi typically manifests as a deep aching sensation in the lumbar area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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