Sundance Acupuncture

Herb & Acupuncture Database

(This is my own personal database of teachers, teachings and notes that I use in my practice. I’ve decided to share it freely with anyone who would like to reference it.)

DU-12 Shenzhu - Body Pillar

English:	Body Pillar
Also Known As:	Body's Pillar

Location

On the midline of the upper back, in the depression below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra.
Between the spinous processes of the third and fourth thoracic vertebra.
Inferior to the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra on the posterior midline.

Needling

Perpendicular-oblique superior insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
Caution: the spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body type.
Straight insertion pointed slightly upward, 0.7 to 1 cun. Sensation: distention and soreness or heavy, sinking feeling toward the lower back.
Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

Actions

Pacifies Wind in the DU channel (reducing method)
Eliminates Interior Wind (reducing method)
Calms spasms (reducing method)
Tonifies Lung Qi (reinforcing method)
Disperses Lung Qi
Strengthens the body (reinforcing method)
Expands and relaxes the chest
Calms the Shen
Clears Heat
Dispels Wind-Heat

Indications

Heat in the chest
Dyspnea
Sudden cough with lumbar pain
Heat in the body
Dry mouth
Agitation with thirst
Headache
Headache and fever
Sweating
Bronchitis
Bronchiectasis
Pneumonia
Chest and back pain
Wheezing cough associated with consumptive diseases
Infantile convulsions
Epilepsy
Febrile convulsions
Cough
Boils
Convulsions with devagation (sees ghosts) and visions
Abscess
Asthenia
Diarrhea
Gastric cancer

Insanity
Mad walking
Delirious raving
Night fright
Rage with a desire to kill people
Childhood fright epilepsy
Clonic spasm
Opisthotonis
Clove sores
Asthma
Pulmonary tuberculosis
Hysteria
Aphasia due to apoplexy
Seizures
Stiffness and pain in the lumbar region
Stiffness in the dorsal spine
Asthma
Pertussis
Neurasthenia
Fever due to Excess
Furuncles
Psychopathy
Madness
Infantile malnutrition
Common cold
Tremor

Combinations

GB-13 Benshen	DU-1 Changqiang	UB-5 Wuchu UB-40 Weizhong UB-39 Weiyang UB-60 Kunlun
Madness	Childhood fright epilepsy	Opisthotonos, clonic spasm, epilepsy and headache
DU-14 Dazhui UB-12 Fengmen	LI-4 Hegu ST-36 Zusanli	DU-14 Dazhui UB-13 Feishu
Pertussis	Moxa for rickets	Moxa for chronic bronchitis

DU-12 + UB-13 + UB-43: tonifies Lung Qi

Contraindications

Notes

This point is used to strengthen the body after debilitating illnesses.
It is used when the patient needs help getting through it all.
Use moxa to reinforce.

Five Elements Spirit Perspective

Spirit of the Point	Body Pillar is a pillar of strength so a person can be more upright, like a pole in the tent that keeps it upright so it doesn't collapse. Like the central tent pole to which all the guide wires are attached, it maintains our internal strength and uprightness; body, mind and spirit are all built around this pillar. It has to be rooted and firm, yet able to give when needed, or it would break at the slightest jarring. It is the spirit's pillar and gives resurrection and strength of the spirit. It holds up the whole 'house' of body, mind and spirit, which is what lets a person stay steady enough to meet events and bounce back. It gives the mind the strength to keep to its own path, reaching the heavenly impulse that defines that path, and supplies upright Qi, fortitude and alignment.
Worsley	Location: On the back midline, in the dip between the T3 and T4 spinous processes. Needle depth: 4 fen Moxa: 5-30 cones
When to Consider	When someone feels they're not getting much external support, or feels a crumbling inside When someone is collapsing or breaking under stress and needs backbone When the pillar has been weakened by trauma to body, mind or spirit, leaving the person fragile, wobbly and unable to carry on with their life When someone is debilitated by chronic illness or chronic fatigue and so depleted When there is suppressed grief or long-term sadness When the person needs the strength to stand up When the patient cannot regain enough stability or balance to recover from a setback and carry on For someone easily swayed, easily knocked off track or broken, leaning to one side or off balance When a person cannot face the world and take its everyday knocks, and stays shut in their room When the pillar is too strong and unyielding: rigid, brittle body and mind, the person won't flex and the first blow may break them (add moxa if there is cold) When the pillar is too soft and yielding to support the person in body or mind
Combinations	The Associated Effect Points (AEPs) of the patient's Causative Factor (CF) with DU-12: a great treatment, especially when you tell the patient the name of the point
Notes	Use moxa if the person is cold, as well as needling Sometimes you can see the collapsed state Helps to keep chiropractic and osteopathic adjustments in place Moxa when the person is cold, inert or weak brings back the Governor's quality of guidance; sedate if there is real rigidity, pain or heat With DU-4 and DU-14, perhaps the most used Governor Vessel point The Officials themselves panic when they feel this pillar collapsing The patient's posture tells you when and how this point is needed

For educational reference only; not a substitute for care from a qualified practitioner.