DU9 (Zhiyang, “Reaching Yang”) is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), roughly level with the inferior angle of the scapula. It regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder, clears damp-heat and relieves jaundice, unbinds the chest and regulates the diaphragm, activates the channel and alleviates pain.
On the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), roughly level with the inferior angle of the scapula.
Oblique superior insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun, following the angle of the spinous processes.
Regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder, clears damp-heat and relieves jaundice, unbinds the chest and regulates the diaphragm, activates the channel and alleviates pain.
Jaundice, fullness of the chest and hypochondrium, cough and wheezing, pain and stiffness of the back and spine, heaviness of the body, weakness of the four limbs, abdominal distension, borborygmus, reduced appetite.
A principal back point for jaundice and damp-heat of the Liver and Gall Bladder, and for oppression of the chest and diaphragm; also used locally for thoracic spine pain.
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 · 揹人形第二 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
至陽 一穴，在第七椎節下間，微俯而取之宛宛中，灸七壯。 主四肢重，少氣難言，脊急強也According to this text, DU9 lies in the small hollow between the segments below the 7th vertebra, located bending slightly forward, and receives 7 moxa cones; it records use for heavy limbs, shortness of breath with difficulty speaking, and tense, stiff spine.
《醫學綱目·刺灸》 Yīxué Gāngmù · Cìjiǔ — Outline of Medicine: Needling and Moxibustion, Lou Ying, 1565 · 卷之八·陰陽臟腑部 · 穴法下 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
至陽一穴，在第七椎節下間，俯而取之，督脈氣所發。 針入五分，可灸三壯According to this text, DU9 lies between the segments below the 7th vertebra, located bending forward, where the qi of the governor vessel emerges; needle insertion is 0.5 cun and it may receive 3 moxa cones.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷08 · Source: Wikisource ↗
寒熱懈爛（一本作懶），淫濼脛酸，四肢重痛，少氣難言，至陽主之The text records that DU9 was used for chills and fever with lassitude, aching shins from dampness, heavy painful limbs, and shortness of breath with difficulty speaking.
DU9 is one of 28 points on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
DU9 (Zhiyang) is located on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), roughly level with the inferior angle of the scapula.
DU9 regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder, clears damp-heat and relieves jaundice, unbinds the chest and regulates the diaphragm, activates the channel and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include jaundice, fullness of the chest and hypochondrium, cough and wheezing, pain and stiffness of the back and spine, heaviness of the body, weakness of the four limbs, abdominal distension, borborygmus, reduced appetite.
Oblique superior insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun, following the angle of the spinous processes. Caution: Close to the spinal cord — never needle deeply; direct the needle obliquely upward between the spinous processes.
DU9 is a point on the Governing Vessel Meridian (Dū Mài).