Qihaishu Point (BL-24 / Qi Sea Shu, Back Transporting Point of Qihai)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Qihaishu (BL-24 / Qi Sea Shu). Learn its benefits for dysmenorrhea, hemorrhoids, lumbar pain, and reproductive disorders – the Back Transporting Point of Primordial Qi – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Dysmenorrhea, hemorrhoids, lumbar pain, spermatorrhea, impotence, lumbar muscle strain, irregular menstruation, and lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 3rd lumbar 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 to the 2nd lumbar vertebra (at the level of the umbilicus), then move one vertebra downward to the spinous process of the 3rd lumbar 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 Qihaishu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat dysmenorrhea, lumbar pain, spermatorrhea, and impotence. Therapeutic actions: Tonifies the primordial qi, regulates the lower jiao, strengthens the lumbar region and kidneys, regulates menstruation and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Spermatorrhea: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Impotence: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Lumbar pain and lumbar muscle strain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Weizhong (BL-40), and Mingmen (GV-4). Dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Xuehai (SP-10). Hemorrhoids: Combine with Chengshan (BL-57), Changqiang (GV-1), and Erbai (EX-UE2). Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Zusanli (ST-36).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where qi of the Qi Sea is transported to the back. It tonifies the primordial qi, regulates the lower jiao, strengthens the lumbar region and kidneys, regulates menstruation and relieves pain. It is a commonly used point for treating lumbosacral and urogenital disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Qihai" refers to the Qihai point below the umbilicus, where primordial qi gathers; "Shu" means point of transport. This point corresponds to Qihai (RN-6) of the Conception Vessel and is where primordial qi is transported to the back – hence the name Qihaishu (Qi Sea Shu).
