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Shenshu (BL-23), “Kidney Shu”, is the Back-Shu point of the Kidney. It is the principal back point for tonifying Kidney yin and yang, benefiting essence, strengthening the lower back and benefiting the ears, bones and water metabolism.
Location
On the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2), level with DU-4 (Mingmen).
Anatomy
On the latissimus dorsi and erector spinae; the lumbar artery; the dorsal rami of the lumbar nerves.
Actions & Functions
- Tonifies the Kidney and benefits Kidney yin and yang (Back-Shu of the Kidney)
- Benefits essence, the bones and the marrow
- Strengthens the lower back and knees
- Benefits the ears and regulates water
Indications
Chronic lower back pain and weak knees, tinnitus and deafness, dizziness, impotence, seminal emission and infertility, irregular menstruation, chronic asthma, oedema, and frequent urination.
Needling
0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular insertion.
Moxibustion Suitability
Highly suitable - moxa warms and tonifies Kidney yang.
Point Combinations
With KI-3 and DU-4 to tonify the Kidney; with BL-52 (Zhishi) for the lower back and essence.
Classical Text References
The Back-Shu point of the Kidney.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid deep insertion (kidney lies deep).
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.