Medicina China HoyTraditional Chinese Medicine
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Acupressure · Intermediate

Lower Back Pain Protocol

BL23, BL40 and GV4 for acute and chronic lumbar pain

7 MINUpdated on

TCM Lower Back Pain Protocol

Lower back pain is one of the most frequent reasons for acupressure consultation. Shenshu (BL-23), Weizhong (BL-40) and Mingmen (GV-4) are the three pillars of lumbar treatment in TCM. The Kidney governs the lower back and its deficiencies are the root cause of chronic lumbar pain.

Benefits attributed to it

  • Relieves acute and chronic lower back pain
  • Relaxes paravertebral musculature
  • Strengthens Kidney Yang
  • Improves lumbar mobility
  • Treats lower back pain from Cold and Dampness

Lower Back Pain in TCM

The Kidney governs bones and the back. 'The lumbar region is the mansion of the Kidney.' Lower back pain can be due to Kidney deficiency (chronic-dull), invasion of Wind-Cold-Dampness (acute-cold) or stagnation of Qi and Blood (traumatic-fixed).

Shenshu (肾俞 - BL-23)

Back-Shu point of the Kidney. Tonifies the Kidney, strengthens the lumbar spine and bones.

Weizhong (委中 - BL-40)

'For the back and waist, seek Weizhong.' Master point of the back. Activates the Bladder channel.

Mingmen (命门 - GV-4)

Gate of Life. Strengthens Kidney Yang. Essential for chronic lower back pain.

Step by step

  1. Shenshu (BL-23) and Mingmen (GV-4)

    BL-23 on both sides of L2 and GV-4 at the spinous process of L2 are the core of the lumbar pain protocol. Vigorously rubbing BL-23 to generate heat is equivalent to manual moxibustion.

    Duration
    3 minutes
    • Better with a second person applying pressure from behind
    • Rubbing until heat is generated is key — equivalent to moxibustion
    • Keep the area warm afterward

  2. Weizhong (BL-40) Bilateral

    BL-40 at the popliteal crease. The classic saying: 'For the back and waist, seek Weizhong.' It is the most powerful distal point for lumbar pain.

    Duration
    2 minutes
    • Position: lying face up or seated with bent knees
    • Avoid compressing the popliteal artery and vein

  3. Closing: Kunlun (BL-60) + Heat on Lower Back

    BL-60 activates the Bladder meridian along the entire back. Close with palm heat on the lower back to seal the Yang.

    Duration
    2 minutes
    • Flex and extend the ankle gently while pressing BL-60
    • The closing with palm heat is essential

After the Lumbar Protocol

  • Rest 10 minutes lying down
  • Apply heat pack on lower back for 15 min
  • Gentle lumbar mobilization movements
  • Avoid cold and dampness
  • Review ergonomics and mattress

Contraindications

  • BL-60 contraindicated during pregnancy
  • Do not apply in active vertebral fracture
  • Consult professional for lower back pain with severe neurological radiation

Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.