Jizhong Point (GV-6 / Spine Center, also known as Shenzong, Jishu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Jizhong (GV-6 / Spine Center). Learn its benefits for diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, and poor appetite – the Governor Vessel point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, poor appetite, abdominal distension, rectal prolapse, hematochezia (bloody stool), lumbar and spinal stiffness with pain, and infantile malnutrition.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, in the depression below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra, on the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the intersection of the line connecting the inferior angles of both scapulae with the posterior midline (approximately at the 7th thoracic vertebra), then count downward 4 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra – the point is in the depression below this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. ③ Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. ④ Scraping therapy: Scrape from the center outward. Press and knead Jizhong with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat abdominal distension, diarrhea, and poor appetite. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, warms yang and stops diarrhea, clears heat and drains dampness, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Diarrhea and dysentery: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Hemorrhoids: Combine with Chengshan (BL-57) and Changqiang (GV-1). Poor appetite and abdominal distension: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36). Lumbar and spinal stiffness with pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40). Rectal prolapse: Combine with Baihui (GV-20) and Changqiang (GV-1). Infantile malnutrition: Combine with Sifeng (EX-UE10) and Zusanli (ST-36).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, warms yang and stops diarrhea, clears heat and drains dampness, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating spleen-stomach and anorectal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Ji" refers to the spine; "Zhong" means center. Located at the center of the spine – hence the name Jizhong (Spine Center). It is also known as "Shenzong" and "Jishu."
