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-8 Jinsuo - Contracted Muscle

More Spirit Names: Tendon Spasm, Sinew Contraction

English:	Sinew Contraction
Also Known As:	Sinew's Shrinking Contracted Sinew Tendon Spasm

Location

On the midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra, level with UB-18 Ganshu.
Note: this point is located six intervertebral spaces above the line connecting the highest points of the iliac crests.

Needling

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 build.
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5 to 1 cun.
Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

Actions

Soothes the Liver
Pacifies Wind
Relieves spasms
Calms the Shen
Relaxes the sinews

Indications

Upward staring eyes
Clonic spasm
Epilepsy
Childhood fright epilepsy
Stiffness and contraction of the spine
Heart pain
Spasms
Convulsions
Stiffness of the back
Gastric pain
Tremors
Lack of coordination

Mania
Mad walking
Incessant talking
Jaundice
Anger injuring the Liver
Hepatitis
Cholecystitis
Pleurisy
Seizures
Hysteria
Intercostal neuralgia

Combinations

REN-2
Qugu
KI-10
Yingu
LIV-2
Xingjian

ST-28
Shuidao

DU-1
Shenzhu

Fright epilepsy

Mad walking and madness

Stiffness of the spine

Curvature of the spine

Contraindications

Notes

This is a main point for Liver Wind.
The most common for of treatment on this point is moxibustion.

Five Elements Spirit Perspective

Spirit of the Point	Contracted Muscle treats muscles that are contracted or constricted, in body, mind and spirit. We are more than physical bodies; used for its spiritual meaning, this point can ease constriction in the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies, and it opens the mind and opens the spirit. Its effect on the mind is tremendous: here you can anchor a person and bring them back to earth. The physical action supports the spiritual one: easing tension around the mid back frees the Officials of the upper jiao (Heart, Heart Protector and Lung) to work better.
Worsley	Location: On the back midline, in the dip between the T9 and T10 spinous processes. Needle depth: 4 fen Moxa: 3 cones
When to Consider	When patients carry needless tension and contraction in the mind and seem to constantly 'muscle through' life When people are 'uptight': over-controlling, anxious, hypervigilant or angry When someone holds on to resentments, old patterns of thought, limiting beliefs and emotional attachments that obscure the freedom of the spirit When there is insecurity and instability When there is irritability, a feeling of being thwarted and an inability to move forward in life When someone's life is flaccid and unfocused For back spasm, stiffness or muscular contraction anywhere along the spine, extending into the arms For pain across the upper back and chest area When an issue is pulling a person to one side or the other For insecurity and instability so marked that the eyes roll around or stay fixed and the person walks aimlessly When someone can't relax in body or mind: tight and seized up
Notes	Used at the right time, it can bring about a profound letting go and release Connected with the Liver Located in the mid back Like DU-4, a whole body, mind and spirit treatment; lies opposite the Liver's Associated Effect Point Usually use moxa

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