Ganshu Point (BL-18 / Liver Shu, Back Transporting Point of the Liver)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Ganshu (BL-18 / Liver Shu). Learn its benefits for jaundice, hypochondriac pain, blurred vision, menstrual disorders, and headaches – the Back Transporting Point of the Liver – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Epigastric and abdominal distension, jaundice, blurred vision, cough, hemoptysis, hematemesis, stiff painful neck, lumbar and back pain, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, headache, dizziness, hypochondriac pain, manic disorders, and epilepsy.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, count down 9 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra – the point is 2 finger-widths (approximately 1.5 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Ganshu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat cough and bitter taste in the mouth. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and regulates qi, clears the liver and gallbladder, nourishes blood and brightens the eyes, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Hypochondriac pain: Combine with Zhigou (TE-6) and Yanglingquan (GB-34). Jaundice: Combine with Danshu (BL-19), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Zhiyang (GV-9). Blurred vision and night blindness: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Guangming (GB-37), and Shenshu (BL-23). Irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Xuehai (SP-10). Headache and dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3). Manic disorders and epilepsy: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40). Lumbar and back pain, stiff painful neck: Combine with Dazhu (BL-11), Tianzhu (BL-10), and Houxi (SI-3). Hemoptysis and hematemesis: Combine with Geshu (BL-17), Kongzui (LU-6), and Yuji (LU-10).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where liver qi is transported to the back. It soothes the liver and regulates qi, clears the liver and gallbladder, nourishes blood and brightens the eyes, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a key point for treating liver, gallbladder, eye, gynecological, and mental disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Beishu. "Gan" refers to the Liver; "Shu" means point of transport. This point is where Liver Meridian qi is transported to the back – an important point for treating liver disorders – hence the name Ganshu (Liver Shu).
Contraindications
The deep layer of Ganshu contains the lungs and pleural cavity – vertical or deep needling should be avoided to prevent injury to internal organs and pneumothorax. Oblique needling at 0.5–0.8 cun is generally recommended. Moxibustion is permissible.
