Zhongshu Point (GV-7 / Central Pivot)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zhongshu (GV-7 / Central Pivot). Learn its benefits for vomiting, stomach pain, poor appetite, and back pain – the Governor Vessel point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Vomiting, abdominal fullness, stomach pain, poor appetite, lumbar and back pain, abdominal distension, hiccups, and nausea.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, in the depression below the spinous process of the 10th 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 downward 3 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra – the point is in the depression below this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. ③ Scraping therapy: Scrape from the center outward. Press and knead Zhongshu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat abdominal distension and poor appetite. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and relieves pain, descends rebellious qi and stops vomiting, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals.
Compatibility
Lumbar and spinal pain: Combine with Mingmen (GV-4) and Yaoyan (EX-B7). Stomach pain and abdominal distension: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36). Vomiting and hiccups: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Zhongwan (RN-12). Poor appetite: Combine with Pishu (BL-20) and Weishu (BL-21). Lumbar and back pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and relieves pain, descends rebellious qi and stops vomiting, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals. It is a commonly used key point for treating spleen-stomach and lumbar-back disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Zhong" means center; "Shu" means pivot or hinge. Located at the center of the spine, this point serves as the pivot for Governor Vessel qi movement – hence the name Zhongshu (Central Pivot).
