Indications

Irregular menstruation, lumbar pain, diarrhea, constipation, hematochezia (bloody stool), hemorrhoids, coccygeal pain, lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome, and lumbar and spinal stiffness with pain.

Precise Location

In the sacral region, at the sacral hiatus, on the posterior midline.

Location Method

Lie prone or laterally. On the posterior midline, at the level of the lower edges of the two sacral horns (between the sacral horns above the coccyx) – that is the point.

Massage Method

Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Yaoshu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat irregular menstruation, lumbar pain, and diarrhea. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the lumbar region and tonifies the kidney, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, regulates the lower jiao, and regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea.

Compatibility

Lumbar and back pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Huantiao (GB-30). Lumbar pain and spinal stiffness: Combine with Weizhong (BL-40) and Dachangshu (BL-25). Irregular menstruation: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Xuehai (SP-10). Hematochezia and hemorrhoids: Combine with Chengshan (BL-57), Erbai (EX-UE2), and Changqiang (GV-1). Diarrhea: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Constipation: Combine with Zhigou (TE-6) and Shangjuxu (ST-37).

Efficacy & Actions

This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai) and is located at the sacral hiatus. It strengthens the lumbar region and tonifies the kidney, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, regulates the lower jiao, and regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea. It is a commonly used key point for treating lumbosacral and anorectal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Yao" refers to the lumbar region; "Shu" means point of transport. Located in the lower lumbar region, this point is where lumbosacral meridian qi is transported – hence the name Yaoshu (Lumbar Shu). It is also known as "Yaohu," "Suikong," and "Suishu."

Contraindications

Located in the sacral bony cleft – needling depth should be carefully controlled, generally 0.5–1 cun vertically, avoiding excessive depth to prevent injury to the dural sac. Moxibustion is permissible.