DU5 (Xuanshu, “Suspended Pivot”) is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1). It strengthens the lumbar spine, regulates the intestines, and resolves accumulation.
On the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1).
Slight superior oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion toward the vertebral body is contraindicated to avoid the spinal canal.
Strengthens the lumbar spine, regulates the intestines, and resolves accumulation.
Abdominal accumulation that moves up and down, indigestion of grain and water, diarrhea, retained accumulation in the abdomen, abdominal pain, lumbar spine stiffness, inability to bend or extend.
Xuanshu is a local point for lumbar pain and stiffness, particularly when there is difficulty with flexion and extension. Its classical indications also strongly emphasize its role in treating digestive disorders, such as abdominal masses, indigestion, and diarrhea. This reflects the close relationship between the Governing Vessel, the Kidneys, and the digestive functions of the Spleen and Stomach.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《黃帝明堂灸經》 Huángdì Míngtáng Jiǔjīng — The Yellow Emperor's Bright Hall Moxibustion Classic, Tang · 卷中 · 揹人形第七 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
懸樞 一穴，在第十一椎節下陷者中。 灸三壯。 主腹中積氣上下行，腠中盡痛也This text places DU5 in the hollow below the 11th vertebral segment, with 3 moxa cones, and records use for accumulated qi moving up and down in the abdomen and pain throughout the interstices.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷九 · Source: Wikisource ↗
懸樞 十三椎下，伏而取之。 銅人針三分，灸三壯。 主腰脊強，不得屈伸According to this text, DU5 lies below the 13th vertebra, located lying prone; the Tongren gives needling 0.3 cun and 3 moxa cones, and it was used for stiff lower back and spine with inability to bend or stretch.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 背自第一椎循督脈行至脊骶凡十三穴第七 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
懸樞一穴，治腰脊強痛，不得屈伸，積氣上下，水穀不化，下利，腹中留疾The text records that DU5 was used for stiff, painful lower back and spine with inability to bend or stretch, accumulated qi moving up and down, undigested food, diarrhoea, and lingering illness in the abdomen.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷08 · Source: Wikisource ↗
腹中積上下行，懸樞主之The text records that DU5 was used for accumulations moving up and down in the abdomen.
DU5 is one of 28 points on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
DU5 (Xuanshu) is located on the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1).
DU5 strengthens the lumbar spine, regulates the intestines, and resolves accumulation. Common clinical indications include abdominal accumulation that moves up and down, indigestion of grain and water, diarrhea, retained accumulation in the abdomen, abdominal pain, lumbar spine stiffness, inability to bend or extend.
Slight superior oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion toward the vertebral body is contraindicated to avoid the spinal canal.
DU5 is a point on the Governing Vessel Meridian (Dū Mài).