Dazhu Point (BL-11 / Great Shuttle, also known as Bone Hui)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Dazhu (BL-11 / Great Shuttle). Learn its benefits for cervical spondylosis, shoulder and back pain, cough, and fever – the Bone Hui point for strengthening bones – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Cough, fever, cervical spondylosis, shoulder and back pain, stiff painful neck, bone pain, and knee pain.
Precise Location
On the back, below the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright with the head slightly bent forward. Raise both hands with palms facing backward, bring the index and middle fingers together with other fingers bent, reach over the shoulder to the back – place the middle finger pad below the spinous process of T1 (the first thoracic vertebra, which is below the most prominent C7 spinous process) – the point is where the index fingertip rests.
Massage Method
Press with the index finger pads – apply to both sides for 1–3 minutes each. Therapeutic actions: Clears pathogenic heat, strengthens the sinews and bones, unblocks the meridians and collaterals.
Compatibility
Cervical spondylosis: Combine with Jianjing (GB-21), Jianzhongshu (SI-15), Dazhu (BL-11), and Zhongfu (LU-1). Disease overview: Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition involving osteoarthritis, hyperplastic cervical spondylitis, cervical radiculopathy, and cervical disc herniation – caused by chronic strain, bone spurs, disc herniation, or ligament thickening compressing the spinal cord, nerve roots, or vertebral artery. Massage sequence: First pinch Jianjing 30 times, then press Jianzhongshu and Dazhu for 10 minutes, finally rub Zhongfu for 2 minutes. Shoulder and back pain: Combine with Jianzhongshu (SI-15). Cough: Combine with Zhongfu (LU-1), Laogong (PC-8), Yongquan (KI-1), and Shenshu (BL-23).
Efficacy & Actions
Spending long hours in air-conditioned offices, working at computers, and lacking exercise often leads to neck and shoulder discomfort and soreness. If left unaddressed, this can progress to pain, stiffness, and even shoulder arthritis. Pressing Dazhu can ensure smooth qi and blood circulation in the neck and shoulder meridians, improving various cervical spine conditions. This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian and the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It is also the Bone Hui point among the Eight Influential Points. It clears pathogenic heat, strengthens the sinews and bones, unblocks the meridians and collaterals. It is a key point for treating bone disorders and cervical-shoulder conditions. First documented in Lingshu · Beishu. "Da" means great; "Zhu" means the shuttle of a loom. Located beside the 1st thoracic vertebra on the back, as the Bone Hui point treating bone disorders – like the shuttle of the spine – hence the name Dazhu (Great Shuttle).
