Dushu Point (BL-16 / Governor Vessel Shu, also known as Gaogai)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Dushu (BL-16 / Governor Vessel Shu). Learn its benefits for heart pain, abdominal pain, distension, borborygmus, and hiccups – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Heart pain, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, borborygmus (intestinal gurgling), hiccups, and chest tightness.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 6th thoracic 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 6 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 6th thoracic 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 Dushu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat heart pain, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. Therapeutic actions: Regulates qi and soothes the chest, harmonizes the stomach and descends rebellious qi, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Heart pain and chest tightness: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6). Abdominal pain, distension, and borborygmus: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Hiccups: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Geshu (BL-17).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where qi of the Governor Vessel (Du Mai) is transported to the back. It regulates qi and soothes the chest, harmonizes the stomach and descends rebellious qi, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used point for treating heart, chest, and abdominal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Du" refers to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai); "Shu" means point of transport. This point is where Du Mai qi is transported to the back – hence the name Dushu (Governor Vessel Shu). It is also known as "Gaogai."
