ACUPUNCTURE
Guan Yuan Shu: TCM Acupoint Guide
GUANYUANSHU
Name
Guan Yuan Shu (Guanyuanshu)
Location
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra. Note: locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Needling
- Straight insertion, 1.5 to 2 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness, sometimes extending to the leg.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.8 to 1.2 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Strengthens the lower back and knees
- Removes obstructions from the channel
- Regulates the Lower Jiao
- Transforms damp-stagnation
Indications
- Lower jiao wasting and thirsting
- Dysenteric disorders
- Painful urinary dysfunction
- Chronic peritonitis
- Chronic enteritis
- Abdominal distention and pain
- Cystitis
- Urinary incontinence
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids
- Abdominal masses in women
- Lower back pain and stiffness
- Sciatica
- Lower limb paralysis
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Emaciation
- Thirst
- Frequent urination
- Enuresis
- Wind-taxation lumbar pain
- Deficiency distention
Notes
This point is frequently used as a local point for lower back ache and should always be used if tender on pressure.
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.
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