Yishe Point (BL-49 / Mind Dwelling)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yishe (BL-49 / Mind Dwelling). Learn its benefits for abdominal distension, diarrhea, vomiting, and poor appetite – the dwelling of the spleen mind – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Abdominal distension, diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, borborygmus, jaundice, and diabetes.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (at the level of the inferior angle of the scapulae), count down 4 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra – the point is 4 finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Yishe with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat abdominal distension, borborygmus, and diarrhea. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, resolves dampness and removes stagnation, regulates qi and stops diarrhea.
Compatibility
Abdominal distension: Combine with Pishu (BL-20) and Weishu (BL-21). Diarrhea and borborygmus: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Shangjuxu (ST-37). Vomiting and poor appetite: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12), Zusanli (ST-36), and Neiguan (PC-6). Jaundice: Combine with Ganshu (BL-18), Danshu (BL-19), and Yanglingquan (GB-34).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, resolves dampness and removes stagnation, regulates qi and stops diarrhea. It is a commonly used key point for treating spleen, stomach, and digestive system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Yi" refers to the mind or intention – the spleen stores the yi; "She" means dwelling or residence. Located on the back, this point is where the yi of the spleen resides – hence the name Yishe (Mind Dwelling).
Contraindications
Located on the back, needling should not be too deep – generally oblique needling at 0.5–0.8 cun to avoid injury to internal organs. Moxibustion is permissible.
