Pishu Point (BL-20 / Spleen Shu, Back Transporting Point of the Spleen)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Pishu (BL-20 / Spleen Shu). Learn its benefits for abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, diabetes, and bleeding disorders – the Back Transporting Point of the Spleen – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, stomach pain, hematemesis, hematochezia, hematuria, and diabetes.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
At the level of the umbilicus intersecting with the spine – count 3 vertebrae upward from this point to the 11th thoracic 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 Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup for 5–10 minutes. Press and knead Pishu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat various spleen-stomach disorders. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, transforms water and dampness, supplements qi and nourishes blood, governs blood and stops bleeding.
Compatibility
Vomiting: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36). Diarrhea and dysentery: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25), Shangjuxu (ST-37), and Zusanli (ST-36). Stomach pain and abdominal distension: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12), Neiguan (PC-6), and Zusanli (ST-36). Hematemesis, hematochezia, and hematuria: Combine with Geshu (BL-17), Xuehai (SP-10), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Diabetes: Combine with Yishu (EX-B3), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Taixi (KI-3). Spleen-stomach weakness with poor appetite: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Zhongwan (RN-12), and Weishu (BL-21). Edema and difficult urination: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Yinlingquan (SP-9), and Shuifen (RN-9).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where spleen qi is transported to the back. It strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, transforms water and dampness, supplements qi and nourishes blood, governs blood and stops bleeding. It is a key point for treating spleen, stomach, digestive, water-damp, and bleeding disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Beishu. "Pi" refers to the Spleen; "Shu" means point of transport. This point is where Spleen Meridian qi is transported to the back – an important point for treating spleen disorders – hence the name Pishu (Spleen Shu).
