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Neijing

Knowledge baseAcupuncture points

DU-5

Xuanshu

Suspended Pivot

Also known asSuspended Axis

Channel
Du Mai

Location

On the lower-back midline, in the hollow below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra.

Needling

  1. 01Insert perpendicularly, 0.5–1 cun.
  2. 02Moxibustion may be used.
  3. 03Caution: depending on body build, the spinal cord lies 1.25–1.75 cun beneath the skin surface.
  4. 04Oblique insertion, 0.5–1 cun.

Actions

  • Strengthens the lumbar spine
  • Supports the Lower Jiao

Indications

  • Stiff lower spine that cannot flex or extend
  • Undigested food in the stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Running piglet Qi
  • Sciatica
  • Shan disorder
  • Testicular retraction
  • Dysentery
  • Abdominal pain
  • Anal prolapse
  • Hemorrhoids

Notes

Applying moxa here helps tighten the bowels.