Danshu Point (BL-19 / Gallbladder Shu, Back Transporting Point of the Gallbladder)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Danshu (BL-19 / Gallbladder Shu). Learn its benefits for jaundice, pulmonary tuberculosis, chest fullness, and bitter taste – the Back Transporting Point of the Gallbladder – plus classic combinations for biliary disorders.
Indications
Jaundice, pulmonary tuberculosis, chest fullness, bitter taste in the mouth, hypochondriac pain, vomiting, poor appetite, and fever.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 10th 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 10 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra – the point is 2 finger-widths (approximately 1.5 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Danshu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat chest fullness and bitter taste in the mouth. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and benefits the gallbladder, clears heat and drains dampness, regulates qi and soothes the chest.
Compatibility
Biliary disorders (cholecystitis, cholelithiasis): Combine with Taichong (LR-3), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Riyue (GB-24). Jaundice: Combine with Zhiyang (GV-9), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Ganshu (BL-18). Bitter taste and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Zhigou (TE-6) and Yanglingquan (GB-34). Pulmonary tuberculosis and bone-steaming with tidal fever: Combine with Gaohuang (BL-43), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Geshu (BL-17). Chest fullness and vomiting: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Zhongwan (RN-12).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where gallbladder qi is transported to the back. It soothes the liver and benefits the gallbladder, clears heat and drains dampness, regulates qi and soothes the chest. It is a key point for treating liver, gallbladder, and digestive system disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Beishu. "Dan" refers to the Gallbladder; "Shu" means point of transport. This point is where Gallbladder Meridian qi is transported to the back – an important point for treating gallbladder disorders – hence the name Danshu (Gallbladder Shu).
