Governing Vessel 3 (DU 3) Yao Yang Guan — Lumbar Yang Gate

This point, in the lumbar spine, benefits the lower back and legs, strengthens the Kidney and warms the lower burner.

Governing Vessel 3 (DU 3) Yao Yang Guan 腰陽關 — Lumbar Yang Gate

Location

On the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4), level with the iliac crests.

Anatomy

On the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments; the lumbar arterial branches; the medial branch of the dorsal ramus of the lumbar nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Benefits the lower back and legs
  • Strengthens the Kidney and warms the lower burner
  • Regulates the lower burner

Indications

Lumbar and sacral pain, weakness and atrophy of the legs, irregular menstruation, seminal emission and impotence.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular or slightly oblique upward insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-23 and BL-40 for lumbar pain and leg disorders.

Classical Text References

A principal local point of the lumbar Du Mai.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.