DU-3 Yaoyangguan - Loins Yang Border

More Spirit Names: Lumbar Yang Pass, Lumbar Yang Gate

English:	Lumbar Yang Gate
Also Known As:	Lumbar Yang's Hinge Gate of Yang Loins Yang Border

Location

On the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra.
Note: this point is located one intervertebral space below the line connecting the highest points of the two iliac crests.

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
Caution: the spinal cord lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.
Below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra, at the level of the crista iliaca.
Moxibustion is applicable.
Between the spinous processes of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.

DU-4 Mingmen DU-5 Xuanshu
Multiple neuritis

The primary use for this point is in treatment of low back and leg disorders, particularly if they are due to Kidney Yang Deficiency.
This point is said to be especially good for vaginal discharge with mucus and Phlegm.
The extra point Yaoyan lies 3.5 cun lateral to DU-3.

Spirit of the Point	Loins Yang Border is a passageway from the loins to the legs, on the border between the yin of the lower body and the yang of the upper body. It regulates yin and yang and works as a key joint or hinge for the back's mobility, letting the yang Qi climb the spine to the head. It lets the Yang flow downward and gives a person strength in the legs, the strength to stand up into life. It encourages the flow and discharge of toxins, mucus and phlegm; a discharge is a fluid that must flow, and when the condition is righted it stops by itself and no rubbish is left behind. A physical symptom often reflects a mental state.
Worsley	Worsley gives it as a First Aid point for sprains, spinal injury, insensibility, fractures and concussion. Location: On the back midline, in the dip between L4 and L5. Needle depth: 3-5 fen Moxa: 5-15 cones
When to Consider	When someone is over-controlling When a person lacks backbone, discipline or flexibility in mind and spirit When a woman is frightened of sexual intercourse, with frigidity and difficulty being receptive; unless the mental side is addressed, the area will stay unhealed
Notes	Mostly used for low back problems affecting the legs and knees

Du-3 Yaoyangguan / Du-14 Dazhui: Wei Ke: open the spine to support wei qi and expel the pathogen — Du-3 (Du-4 reserved for life-cycle issues) and Du-14 with lift-and-thrust. (Yuen)
Du-3, BL-23, BL-40, KI-3 + low back ashi (standardized low back pain protocol): Standardized chronic low back pain protocol: Du-3, bilateral BL-23, a low-back ashi point, bilateral BL-40 and KI-3; 20 min, twirling at 10 min and before removal. (Cherkin)
Du Mai and the central nervous system: Du strengthens yuan qi, jing and yang (Du-3, Du-4) and conducts shen via the ye fluid (CSF) up the spine; treat neurological conditions through Du points. (Yuen)
Anointing the Seven Stars of the Great Dipper: Anoint seven levels of the central axis from Ren-1/Du-1 up to Du-20 so the spirits ascend through the crown; front Ren points can substitute for back Du points. (Lewis)