Dachangshu Point (BL-25 / Large Intestine Shu, Back Transporting Point of the Large Intestine)
Strengthens the lumbar region and knees, unblocks the fu-organ and regulates the intestines. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for lumbar-induced back pain, leg pain, and intestinal disorders.
Indications
Abdominal pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, borborygmus, constipation, dysentery, and lumbar and spinal stiffness with pain. (1) Intestinal disorders (with bidirectional regulatory effects): Constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, appendicitis. (2) Urogenital disorders: Leukorrhea, difficult urination, hemorrhoids. (3) Lumbar and leg pain: Rheumatoid lumbar pain, acute lumbar sprain, chronic lumbar muscle strain, bone spurs, lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra (at the level of the umbilicus), then count down 2 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 4th lumbar 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 Dachangshu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat abdominal pain, borborygmus, diarrhea, and constipation. Therapeutic actions: Regulates qi and descends rebellious qi, regulates the intestines and unblocks the fu-organ, strengthens the lumbar region and knees.
Compatibility
Constipation: Combine with Qihai (RN-6) and Zhigou (TE-6). Various lumbar pain: Combine with Guanyuanshu (BL-26) and Qihaishu (BL-24). Lumbosacral pain and lumbar muscle strain: Combine with Shangliao (BL-31), Ciliao (BL-32), and Weizhong (BL-40). Difficult urination and defecation: Combine with Ciliao (BL-32). Intestinal disorders: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Qihai (RN-6). Rheumatoid lumbar pain: Combine with Yinlingquan (SP-9) and Yaoyangguan (GV-3). Sciatica: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Fengshi (GB-31), and Yanglingquan (GB-34). Diarrhea and dysentery: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Constipation: Combine with Shangjuxu (ST-37) and Chengshan (BL-57). Lumbar and back cold pain: Combine with Yaoyangguan (GV-3) and Zhiyang (GV-9).
Efficacy & Actions
Dachangshu belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point of the Large Intestine. It regulates qi and descends rebellious qi, regulates the intestines and unblocks the fu-organ, and strengthens the lumbar region and knees. It is an effective point for treating lumbar and leg pain, and a commonly used point for large intestine disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. As it internally corresponds to the Large Intestine and is where large intestine qi is transported, it is a key point for treating large intestine disorders – hence the name Dachangshu (Large Intestine Shu). (1) Key Point for Treating Lumbar Pain: Located at the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra – from a Western medical perspective, this is the most common site of lumbar lesions; from a TCM perspective, it is where yang qi of the back passes, with effects of dispelling wind and dampness, warming yang and unblocking the vessels. From both perspectives, this point is a key site for treating lumbar pain – especially effective for rheumatoid lumbar pain and lumbar and leg pain caused by lumbar lesions. (2) Specific Point for Intestinal Disorders: As the Back Transporting Point of the Large Intestine, internally corresponding to the Large Intestine and where large intestine qi is transported, needling regulates and unblocks the fu-organ – treating all disorders caused by impaired large intestine transport function, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, and constipation. Clinically often combined with Tianshu (ST-25), the Mu-Front point of the Large Intestine, forming a Shu-Mu point combination. (3) Common Point for Reproductive and Urinary Disorders: Located in the lower jiao, according to “where the point is located, there it treats,” it treats urogenital disorders – especially effective for hemorrhoids. Needling Dachangshu clears large intestine damp-heat, guides qi and blood stagnation in the anal region, unblocks collaterals, relieves pain, clears heat, and resolves stasis.
Contraindications
Needling depth is generally 0.8–1.2 cun – avoid excessive depth to prevent internal organ injury. Moxibustion is permissible.
