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Pishu (BL-20), “Spleen Shu”, is the Back-Shu point of the Spleen. It is the principal back point for tonifying and strengthening the Spleen, resolving damp and supporting digestion and the blood.
Location
On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11).
Anatomy
On the latissimus dorsi, over the erector spinae; the posterior intercostal artery; the dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves.
Actions & Functions
- Tonifies and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach (Back-Shu of the Spleen)
- Resolves dampness
- Supports the production and control of blood
Indications
Poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools and diarrhoea, fatigue and weakness, oedema, and blood deficiency or chronic bleeding.
Needling
0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.
Moxibustion Suitability
Highly suitable - moxa strengthens the Spleen yang.
Point Combinations
With BL-21 and ST-36 to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach; with BL-17 to tonify blood.
Classical Text References
The Back-Shu point of the Spleen.
Cautions & Contraindications
Deep perpendicular insertion risks injury to the kidney/lung; needle obliquely.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.