DU8 (Jinsuo, “Sinew Contraction”) is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the posterior midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9). It extinguishes internal wind, calms the Shen, relaxes the sinews, and relieves spasms.
On the posterior midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
Slightly superior oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Needling this point carries a risk of puncturing the spinal canal, so depth must be carefully controlled.
Extinguishes internal wind, calms the Shen, relaxes the sinews, and relieves spasms.
Manic running, epilepsy, fright epilepsy (seizures), spinal rigidity and stiffness, eyes rolling upwards, staring eyes, seizure disorder with excessive talking, heart pain.
Jinsuo is a key point on the Governing Vessel for treating conditions of internal wind affecting the spine and spirit. Its name, 'Sinew Contraction,' points directly to its classical use for epilepsy, convulsions, and spinal stiffness or opisthotonos. The classical texts consistently associate it with severe shen disturbances like manic running and madness, making it a primary choice for acute, wind-driven neurological and psychiatric presentations.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《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 ↗
筋縮一穴，主癲疾狂走，脊膂強痛，目反視，癇病多言，心痛，寒熱進退，四肢拘攣The text records that DU8 was used for epilepsy with running about madly, stiff and painful spine, eyes turned upward, epilepsy with much talking, heart pain, alternating chills and fever, and cramping of the four limbs.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷03 · Source: Wikisource ↗
筋縮，在第九椎節下間，督脈氣所發，俯而取之，刺入五分，灸三壯。According to this text, DU8 lies between the segments below the 9th vertebra, where the qi of the governor vessel emerges, located bending forward; needling is 0.5 cun with 3 moxa cones.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷八 · 經絡（六） · 督脈穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
筋縮 在九椎節下間，俯而取之。 刺五分，灸三壯、五壯。 主治癲疾驚狂，脊強風癇，目上視According to this text, DU8 lies between the segments below the 9th vertebra, located bending forward; needling is 0.5 cun with 3 or 5 moxa cones, and it was used for epilepsy with fright and mania, stiff spine, wind epilepsy and eyes turned upward.
《扁鵲神應針灸玉龍經》 Biǎn Què Shényìng Zhēnjiǔ Yùlóng Jīng — Bian Que's Jade Dragon Classic of Divinely Responsive Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1329 · 盘石金直刺秘传 · Source: Wikisource ↗
风湿相搏，脊膂连腰强痛，痛则灸筋缩，麻木补The text records that when wind and damp contend, causing stiff pain of the spine extending to the lower back, moxa was applied at DU8, and for numbness tonification was used.
DU8 is one of 28 points on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
DU8 (Jinsuo) is located on the posterior midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
DU8 extinguishes internal wind, calms the Shen, relaxes the sinews, and relieves spasms. Common clinical indications include manic running, epilepsy, fright epilepsy (seizures), spinal rigidity and stiffness, eyes rolling upwards, staring eyes, seizure disorder with excessive talking, heart pain.
Slightly superior oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Needling this point carries a risk of puncturing the spinal canal, so depth must be carefully controlled.
DU8 is a point on the Governing Vessel Meridian (Dū Mài).