Jinsuo Point (GV-8 / Sinew Contraction)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Jinsuo (GV-8 / Sinew Contraction). Learn its benefits for convulsions, spinal stiffness, epilepsy, and sinew disorders – the Governor Vessel point for calming spasms – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Convulsions, spinal stiffness, flaccid paralysis of the limbs, sinew contracture with limited movement, epilepsy, fright epilepsy (infantile convulsions), spinal and back stiffness with pain, and stomach pain.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, in the depression below the spinous process of the 9th 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 2 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 9th 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. Press and knead Jinsuo with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat back pain. Therapeutic actions: Calms the liver and extinguishes wind, stops spasms and settles epilepsy, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, and unblocks the meridians and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Epilepsy: Combine with Tongli (HT-5). Spinal stiffness and back pain: Combine with Weizhong (BL-40) and Shenshu (BL-23). Flaccid paralysis and sinew contracture: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Quchi (LI-11). Fright epilepsy: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26) and Dazhui (GV-14). Convulsions: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Taichong (LR-3).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It calms the liver and extinguishes wind, stops spasms and settles epilepsy, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, and unblocks the meridians and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating sinew spasm and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Jin" refers to sinews; "Suo" means contraction or spasm. This point treats sinew contracture and convulsions, relaxing the sinews and relieving urgency – hence the name Jinsuo (Sinew Contraction).
