Governing Vessel 26 (DU 26) Shui Gou — Water Trough (Renzhong)

This point, (also called Renzhong), below the nose, is the principal point for restoring consciousness in collapse and a key empirical point for acute lumbar sprain.

Governing Vessel 26 (DU 26) Shui Gou 水溝 — Water Trough (Renzhong)

Location

On the face, on the midline of the philtrum, at the junction of the upper third and lower two-thirds.

Anatomy

In the orbicularis oris; the superior labial artery and vein; the buccal branch of the facial nerve and the infraorbital nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Restores consciousness and opens the orifices (the chief resuscitation point)
  • Calms the spirit and settles wind and epilepsy
  • Benefits the lumbar spine (acute sprain)
  • Benefits the face and nose

Indications

Loss of consciousness, collapse, shock, windstroke, epilepsy and mania, acute lumbar sprain, facial paralysis, and trismus.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, obliquely upward with strong stimulation; for resuscitation, strong manual pressure or needling.

Moxibustion Suitability

Moxibustion is generally not used.

Point Combinations

With PC-9 and the Jing-well points for resuscitation; needled alone with movement for acute lumbar sprain.

Classical Text References

A meeting point of the Du Mai with the Large Intestine and Stomach channels; the chief resuscitation point.

Cautions & Contraindications

Strong stimulation is painful; for resuscitation only as appropriate.

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.