Xuanshu (GV5)
Xuanshu (GV5), “Suspended Pivot”, is a point on the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). It is point 5 of the 27 on the channel. Strengthens the lower back and regulates the intestines.
Location
In the lumbar region, in the depression below the L1 spinous process, on the posterior median line.
Functions according to tradition
Strengthens the lower back and regulates the intestines.
Traditional indications
- Lower back pain
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Back stiffness
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.
- BL22 Sanjiaoshu (Bladder): Diarrhoea, Lower back pain
- BL26 Guanyuanshu (Bladder): Diarrhoea, Lower back pain
- GB25 Jingmen (Gallbladder): Diarrhoea, Lower back pain
- KI13 Qixue (Kidney): Diarrhoea, Lower back pain
- BL29 Zhonglushu (Bladder): Back stiffness
- BL51 Huangmen (Bladder): Lower back pain
Point profile
- Code
- GV5
- Pinyin name
- Xuán Shū
- Characters
- 悬枢
- Translation
- Suspended Pivot
- Meridian
- Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
- Topics
- Lower back, Digestion, Intestine
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.
