Governing Vessel 5 (DU 5) Xuan Shu — Suspended Pivot

This point, in the lumbar spine, strengthens the Spleen, regulates the Intestines and benefits the lower back.

Governing Vessel 5 (DU 5) Xuan Shu 懸樞 — Suspended Pivot

Location

On the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1).

Anatomy

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

Actions & Functions

  • Strengthens the Spleen and regulates the Intestines
  • Benefits the lower back

Indications

Diarrhoea and indigestion, abdominal pain, and lower back pain and stiffness.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular or oblique upward insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-20 and ST-25 for digestive disorders.

Classical Text References

A 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.