Lower back acupuncture points — 3D atlas

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

The Lower back region contains 14 acupuncture points (meridians: BL, GB, GV). The interactive atlas below opens directly on this region: click a point for its booklet (location, needling, indications, combinations), turn on labels, or start the tour.

Open this region in the full atlas ↗

Points in this region (14)

CodeNameLocation
BL20
Pí Shū
Spleen ShuOn the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, below the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11).
BL21
Wèi Shū
Stomach ShuOn the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12).
BL22
Sān Jiāo Shū
Sān Jiāo ShūOn the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1). The classics locate this point…
BL23
Shèn Shū
Shèn ShūOn the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2). This level is generally…
BL24
Qì Hǎi Shū
Qì Hǎi ShūOn the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra (L3).
BL25
Dà Cháng Shū
Dà Cháng ShūOn the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). The classical texts…
BL26
Guān Yuán Shū
Guān Yuán ShūOn the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the space below the spinous process of the first sacral vertebra (S1)…
BL27
Xiǎo Cháng Shū
Small Intestine ShuIn the sacral region, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the first posterior sacral foramen (S1). This corresponds to the…
GB25
Jingmen
JingmenOn the lateral aspect of the waist, directly inferior to the free end of the twelfth rib.
GV3
Yaoyangguan
YaoyangguanOn the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the 16th vertebra (L4).
GV4
Mingmen
Gate of LifeOn the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2). The classics locate this…
GV5
Xuanshu
Suspended PivotOn the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1).
GV6
Jizhong
JizhongOn the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11).
GV7
Zhongshu
ZhongshuOn the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10).

Other regions: Trunk back: Shoulder · Upper back · Sacrum & hip

How many acupuncture points are in the Lower back?

The Lower back region of the atlas lists 14 points: BL20, BL21, BL22, BL23, BL24, BL25, BL26, BL27, GB25, GV3, GV4, GV5, GV6, GV7.

How do I locate a point in the Lower back?

Open the point in the 3D atlas: the booklet gives the standard location, a cun ruler from the nearest bony landmark, and a step-by-step description.

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.