Governing Vessel
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DU-7
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 — Upper (Thoracic)
Location
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Middle Burner
- Benefits the spine
Commentary
Zhongshu DU-7 is mainly used to ease pain in waist and back area.
It also tonifies the Middle Burner so as to treat symptoms such as abdominal fullness with poor appetite, jaundice or amenorrhea.
Classical Sources
《素问·气府论》 (Sù Wèn · Qì Fǔ Lùn): First recorded mention of Zhongshu as an acupuncture point on the Du Mai (Governing Vessel).
Name Interpretation: Zhōng (中) means "middle" or "central"; Shū (枢) means "pivot" or "axis." The point is named "Central Pivot" because it lies at approximately the middle of the spine, acting as a pivotal point for the body's central axis.
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 10th thoracic vertebra by counting up 6. Locate Zhongshu DU-7 below the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10) on the midline.
Caution
The spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun beneath the skin surface at this level, varying according to body build. In smaller individuals, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun regardless of body weight. Oblique insertions should only be performed by experienced practitioners. Always ensure the patient's back is straight or slightly flexed to avoid puncturing the spinal canal. Deep perpendicular insertion is contraindicated.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 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 distending sensation or soreness at the point site. Deqi may radiate along the spine superiorly or inferiorly, or spread laterally across the lower back region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes with moxa stick; 3–5 moxa cones
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
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