Shenzhu Point (GV-12 / Body Pillar)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shenzhu (GV-12 / Body Pillar). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, back carbuncles, and infantile convulsions – the Governor Vessel point for supporting the body – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, back carbuncles and furuncles, fever, headache, spinal and back stiffness with pain, infantile convulsions, epilepsy, and pertussis.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, in the depression below the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra, on the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the intersection of the line connecting the inferior angles of both scapulae with the posterior midline (approximately at the 7th thoracic vertebra), then count upward 4 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra – the point is in the depression below this spinous process.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Shenzhu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat cough and wheezing. Therapeutic actions: Disperses lung qi and stops cough, relieves wheezing and regulates qi, clears heat and removes toxins, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Cough: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14) and Feishu (BL-13). Wheezing: Combine with Tiantu (RN-22) and Danzhong (RN-17). Back carbuncles and furuncles: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Quchi (LI-11). Spinal and back stiffness with pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40). Infantile convulsions: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26) and Dazhui (GV-14). Pertussis: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Fenglong (ST-40).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It disperses lung qi and stops cough, relieves wheezing and regulates qi, clears heat and removes toxins, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating lung-related and back disorders, especially beneficial for children's health. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shen" refers to the body; "Zhu" means pillar. Located on the back, this point serves as the pillar of the body, supporting and strengthening the body – hence the name Shenzhu (Body Pillar).
