Xuanshu Point (GV-5 / Suspending Pivot)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xuanshu (GV-5 / Suspending Pivot). Learn its benefits for abdominal pain, diarrhea, lumbar pain, and spinal stiffness – the Governor Vessel point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Abdominal pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, lumbar and spinal stiffness with pain, dysentery, indigestion, lumbar and spinal pain, and stomach pain.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, in the depression below the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra, on the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate Mingmen (GV-4, in the depression below the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra), then move upward along the posterior midline 1 vertebra to the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra – the point is in the depression below this spinous process.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Xuanshu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat lumbar pain, diarrhea, and dysentery. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, warms yang and disperses cold, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, and regulates qi movement.
Compatibility
Lumbar pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40). Diarrhea and dysentery: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Abdominal pain and distension: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Qihai (RN-6). Lumbar and spinal stiffness with pain: Combine with Mingmen (GV-4) and Yaoyangguan (GV-3).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, warms yang and disperses cold, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, and regulates qi movement. It is a commonly used key point for treating spleen-stomach and lumbar-spinal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Xuan" means to suspend or hang; "Shu" means pivot or hinge. Located in the lumbar region, this point serves as the pivot for Governor Vessel qi movement – hence the name Xuanshu (Suspending Pivot).
