Yao Shu: TCM Acupoint Guide

Name

Yao Shu (Yaoshu)

Location

On the midline, in the sacro-coccygeal hiatus. Note: the sacro-coccygeal hiatus is located between the cornua of the sacrum and the coccyx, in the depression inferior to the fourth sacral spinous process if this is palpable. It may sometimes extend as high as the level of the third sacral foramina.

Needling

• When used for epilepsy, needle obliquely upwards, obtaining needling sensation as far upwards as possible.
• Slanted insertion, 0.7 to 1.5 cun.
• Oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
• Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

• Transporting point of the lower back
• Associated point of the loins

Actions

• Benefits the lumbar region and legs
• Dispels Wind-Dampness
• Dispels Wind and Cold
• Extinguishes Interior Wind
• Calms spasms and convulsions

Indications

• Pain in the sacrum
• Pain of the lumbar region and hips with inability to flex and extend
• Lumbago
• Lumbar pain radiating to the foot
• Cold Bi radiating to the leg
• Irregular menstruation
• Seizures
• Enuresis
• Amenorrhea
• Sacral pain
• Urinary incontinence
• Fevers
• Red and white leukorrhea
• Dark urine
• Hemorrhoids
• Warm malaria with absence of sweating
• Epilepsy
• Injury by Cold with ceaseless Heat in the four limbs
• Paralysis of the lower limb
• Incontinence due to paraplegia
• Paresis of the foot
• Lower extremity atrophy syndrome
• Chills and stiffness
• Irregular menstruation
• Extreme irritability at the beginning of menstruation

Combinations

Notes

The primary use of this point is to treat sacral and lumbar pain, especially when it radiates to the hips and down the legs. One of eight points for draining Heat from the extremities, indicated for injury by Cold with ceaseless Heat in the four limbs. This point affects the parathyroids.