Shu Points
The Shu Points can be used in a number of Qigong exercises, including Rowing a Boat in the Middle of the Lake. This diagram will help you locate and work with them.
There are two Shu Points for each of the meridians and they are located 1.5 Cun lateral to the spine.
Shu Points uses: –
- To treat their related organ. In particular with long term, chronic, conditions.
- To treat local area issues (muscular).
- Shu Points can become tender/sensitive when their related organ is imbalanced and can be used diagnostically to identify long term, chronic, imbalances.
Shu Points locations and uses
All of the Shu Points are located on the Bladder Meridian.
BL 13. Between the 3rd & 4th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Lung Shu point. Tonifies deficient lungs. Used for colds, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, lethargy, and melancholy.
BL 14. Between the 4th & 5th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Heart Governor Shu point. Used for hypertension, palpitations, and has a calming effect on the mind (Shen).
BL 15. Between the 5th & 6th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Heart Shu point. Used for heart related problems, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, angina, and is also used to strengthen the memory.
BL 16. Between the 6th & 7th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Governing Vessel Shu point.
BL 17. Between the 7th & 8th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Diaphragm. Used to stimulate the movement of the blood when there is stagnation.
BL 18. Between the 9th & 10th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Liver Shu point. Used for Liver problems, LV & GB stagnation, Damp Heat in LV, and it nourishes the eyes.
BL 19. Between the 10th & 11th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Gall Bladder Shu point. Used for all Gall Bladder problems. Clears Heat and Damp Heat in GB & LV, also used for heartburn.
BL 20. Between the 11th & 12th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Spleen Shu point. Used for pancreas malfunctions, clears Damp from the torso, and moxa can be used for cases of anaemia.
BL 21. Between the 12th thoracic and the 1st lumbar vertebrae, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Stomach Shu point. Used for all Stomach related problems, strengthening ST & SP, and is used to clear Damp.
BL 22. Between the 1st & 2nd lumbar vertebrae, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Triple Heater Shu point. Used for circulation problems, clears Damp, and is useful in treating oedema.
BL 23. Between the 2nd & 3rd lumbar vertebrae, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Kidney Shu point. This point is the “centre of energy” and is used to revitalise the entire body. It is also used for Kidney problems, impotence, infertility, lack of libido, physical weakness and exhaustion, depression, lack of will-power, chronic lower back pain, weak legs, chronic ear problems, and tinnitus.
BL 25. Between the 4th & 5th lumbar vertebrae, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Large Intestine Shu point. Used for Large Intestine problems especially constipation, chronic or acute lower back pain, and sciatica.
BL 27. 1st sacral, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Small Intestine Shu point. Used for all Small Intestine problems, abdominal pain, back pain over the sacrum, urination problems, menstruation problems, diarrhoea, and cystitis.
BL 28. 2nd sacral, 1.5 cun lateral to the mid-line: Bladder Shu point. Used for treating urine retention, bed wetting, strengthens the lower back, clears Heat from Bladder, and oedema.