Guanyuanshu Point (BL-26 / Guanyuan Shu, Back Transporting Point of Guanyuan)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Guanyuanshu (BL-26 / Back Transporting Point of Guanyuan). Learn its benefits for abdominal distension, diarrhea, constipation, urinary disorders, lumbar pain, and diabetes – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Abdominal distension, diarrhea, constipation, difficult urination, enuresis (urinary incontinence), lumbar pain, and diabetes.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 5th lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
At the intersection of the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spines with the spine (approximately at the level of the 4th lumbar vertebra), move one vertebra downward to the 5th lumbar vertebra – the point is 2 finger-widths (approximately 1.5 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Guanyuanshu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat diarrhea and constipation. Therapeutic actions: Tonifies the primordial qi, regulates the lower jiao, unblocks the water passages, and strengthens the lumbar region and kidneys.
Compatibility
Abdominal distension: Combine with Qihai (RN-6). Diarrhea and constipation: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Difficult urination and enuresis: Combine with Zhongji (RN-3), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Pangguangshu (BL-28). Lumbar pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Dachangshu (BL-25), and Weizhong (BL-40). Diabetes: Combine with Yishu (EX-B3), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Taixi (KI-3).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where primordial yang qi is transported to the back. It tonifies the primordial qi, regulates the lower jiao, unblocks the water passages, and strengthens the lumbar region and kidneys. It is a commonly used point for treating lumbosacral and urogenital disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Guanyuan" refers to the Guanyuan point on the Conception Vessel, where primordial qi is stored; "Shu" means point of transport. This point corresponds to Guanyuan (RN-4) and is where primordial qi is transported to the back – hence the name Guanyuanshu (Guanyuan Shu).
Contraindications
Located in the lumbar region, needling should not be too deep – generally 0.8–1.2 cun vertically to avoid internal organ injury. Moxibustion is permissible.
