Governing Vessel
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DU-2
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 — Sacral
Location
In the hiatus of the sacrum.
Main Actions
- Expels Interior Wind
- Strengthens the lower back
Indications
Commentary
Yaoshu DU-2 is widely used to distinguish Interior Wind so as to treat related symptoms such as spasms or convulsions. It is one of the most used points for epilepsy.
On top of that, it is also applied to treat chronic lower back pain or stiffness as well as sacrum pain due to Kidney Yang Deficiency.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Yaoshu at the 21st vertebra, below the sacrum, with alternative names including "Beixie" (背解, Back Joint), "Yaohu" (腰户, Lumbar Door), and "Suikong" (髓空, Marrow Hollow).
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (铜人腧穴针灸图经): Also records the alternative name "Yaozhu" (腰柱, Lumbar Pillar), emphasizing its role as a structural support point for the lower back.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture): Records "Suikong" (髓孔, Marrow Opening) as an alternative name, indicating its relationship to the marrow and spinal structures. Notes indications for lumbar pain, menstrual disorders, and epilepsy.
How to Locate
Palpate for the sacral hiatus from the sacrum, which located in-between the cornua of the sacrum and coccyx, in the depression inferior to the forth sacral spinous process.
Caution
The sacral hiatus provides access to the sacral canal, which contains the terminal filum, sacral nerve roots, and epidural space. Deep or inappropriate needling may irritate or damage these structures. Always needle obliquely upward into the sacral hiatus rather than perpendicular. Maximum depth should not exceed 1 cun. This point is used in acupuncture anesthesia for anorectal surgeries, requiring precise technique. Caution in patients with spina bifida or other sacral anomalies.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Up to 1 cun vertically or obliquely in a superior direction. When used for epilepsy, it should be needled obliquely upwards, in order to gain the needling sensation to travel upwards as far as possible.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the sacral hiatus. When needled obliquely upward for epilepsy treatment, the sensation should travel upward along the spine toward the lumbar region and potentially higher. Some patients may feel warmth or tingling radiating into the lower back or down toward the coccyx.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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