Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)
Ask us

ACUPUNCTURE

Du Shu: TCM Acupoint Guide

DUSHU
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
Advertisement

Name

Du Shu (Dushu)

Location

1.5 cun lateral to DU-10 Lingtai, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra. Note: locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.

Needling

  • Slanted insertion toward the spine, 0.7 to 1 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness, sometimes extending to the ribs and chest.
  • Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun.
  • Transverse-oblique insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun.
  • Puncture obliquely, 0.5 to 0.7 cun.
  • Caution: perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries a substantial risk of pneumothorax.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.

Actions

  • Regulates the heart
  • Invigorates the blood

Indications

  • Endocarditis
  • Pericarditis
  • Abdominal pain
  • Borborygmus
  • Diaphragmatic spasms
  • Mastitis
  • Alopecia
  • Pruritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Itching
  • Hot or cold chest pain
  • Rebellious qi
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal distention and pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Boils
  • Abscesses
  • Heart pain
  • Epigastric pain
  • Breast abscess

Notes

This point is primarily used for skin disorders. It is also used for blood stasis of the heart.

Advertisement

Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

Did this article help you?

Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.

👍 Yes, this helped 👎 No, something is missing

Keep readingRelated entries

Bing Feng: TCM Acupoint Guide Bing Feng (Bingfeng) is in the center of the suprascapular fossa, directly above SI-11 Tianzong. Caution: deep perpendicular insertion, especially in thin. Lan Wei Xue: TCM Acupoint Guide Lan Wei Xue (Lanweixue) is about 2 cun distal to ST-36 Zusanli on the right leg. Actions: activates qi and blood, clears heat and fire toxicity from the. Qian Ding: TCM Acupoint Guide Qian Ding (Qianding) is 1.5 cun anterior to DU-20 Baihui. Caution: not to be needled in infants whose fontanelle has not closed. Actions: eliminates wind. Shang Yang: TCM Acupoint Guide Shang Yang (Shangyang). About 0.1 cun from the base of the index fingernail at the radial side, at the junction of the lines drawn along the radial border.

Something this article did not cover?

Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.

Ask a question →