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BL-16 Dushu (督俞) — Governing Vessel Shu
Depth
00.5–1 cun3.0
Transverse insertion
Precautions
High risk of pneumothorax.
Location (classical)
On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the inferior border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).
How to find it (practical)
Seated with the neck flexed or in prone position, locate the point below the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6), 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, level with Ling Tai (GV-10) (WHO 2008, §BL-16).
Anatomy
Trapezius, rhomboid major, and erector spinae muscles.
Needling
0.5–1 cun obliquely toward the spine or transversely (subcutaneous).
Etymology
Du (督), of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); Shu (俞), transport point. The place where the Qi of the Du Mai reaches the back and emerges on the Bladder Meridian, designating the Back-Shu (Bei Shu) point of the Governing Vessel (Deadman, A Manual of Acupuncture, 2007, p. 300).
CLASSICAL SOURCEWai Tai Mi Yao
Clinical Relations
Adjacent Points on the Meridian