Yaoyangguan (GV3)
Yaoyangguan (GV3), “Lumbar Yang Pass”, is a point on the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). It is point 3 of the 27 on the channel. Strengthens the lower back, warms the lower Jiao and benefits the legs.
Location
In the lumbar region, in the depression below the L4 spinous process, on the posterior median line.
Functions according to tradition
Strengthens the lower back, warms the lower Jiao and benefits the legs.
Traditional indications
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Impotence
- Irregular menstruation
- Weak legs
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
Precautions
Needle obliquely upward between the spinous processes, without forcing the depth.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- BL24 Qihaishu (Bladder): Lower back pain, Weak legs
- BL36 Chengfu (Bladder): Lower back pain, Sciatica
- BL37 Yinmen (Bladder): Lower back pain, Sciatica
- GB26 Daimai (Gallbladder): Irregular menstruation, Lower back pain
- KI13 Qixue (Kidney): Irregular menstruation, Lower back pain
- BL55 Heyang (Bladder): Lower back pain
Point profile
- Code
- GV3
- Pinyin name
- Yāo Yáng Guān
- Characters
- 腰阳关
- Translation
- Lumbar Yang Pass
- Meridian
- Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
- Topics
- Lower back, Fertility, Leg
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.
