UB-20 Pishu - Spleen Correspondence

More Spirit Names: Spleen's Hollow, Spleen Shu

English:	Spleen Shu
Also Known As:	Spleen's Hollow

Location

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra
Locate at the highest visible point of the paraspinal muscles
1.5 cun lateral to DU-6 Jizhong at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra

Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1 cun.
Transverse oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Caution: perpendicular needling or oblique needling away from the spine carries a substantial risk of pneumothorax.
Straight insertion, slanted slightly toward the spine1 to 1.5 cun
Sensation: local soreness, numbness and distention extending to the lumbar region
Caution: Do not needle to deeply in order to avoid puncturing the Kidneys or Liver.
Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscles.
Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 cun
Moxibustion is applicable

Tonifies Spleen Qi
Regulates the Qi of the Spleen and assists its transportive and transformative functions
Tonifies Spleen Yang
Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach
Regulates the Stomach, especially Yin
Resolves Dampness
Trasnsforms Dampness, Spleen and Stomach Damp-Heat, Damp-Phlegm and Xold-Phlegm
Warms Cold
Raises Spleen Qi
Holds the Blood
Nourishes and harmonizes the Blood
Tonifies Ying Qi and Blood
Regulates and harmonizes the Qi of the Middle Jiao
Reduces digestive Stagnation
Softens hard masses
Expedites lactation

UB-28 Pangguanshu	UB-21 Weishu	SI-19 Tinggong
Spleen Deficiency with undigested food in the stool	Much eating but remains thin Abdominal pain with no pleasure in eating	Sadness below the Heart
SP-1 Yinbai UB-18 Ganshu REN-13 Shangwan	HT-1 Jiquan GB-24 Riyue	UB-18 Ganshu UB-52 Zhishi
Hematemesis and spontaneous external bleeding	Loss of use of the four limbs	Acute pain of both lateral costal regions
UB-18 Ganshu REN-13 Shangwan	UB-17 Geshu M-BW-12 Yishu UB-23 Shenshu N-BW-20 Pirexue	DU-14 Dazhui ST-36 Zusanli SP-6 Sanyinjiao
Epistaxis with spitting of Blood	Diabetes	Leukopenia (moxa)
UB-23 Shenshu
Nourishes Blood

This point is specifically indicated for remaining thin despite much eating.
This is a very important point for nearly all chronic diseases when the person is very depleted of energy.
UB-20 vs UB-21: UB-20 raises Spleen Qi, while UB-21 descends Stomach Qi; the two are often combined.
As a Back-Shu point of a Yin organ, it is mainly used to tonify. It is the basic point for chronic diarrhea.

Spirit of the Point	Spleen Correspondence is the inner Associated Effect Point (AEP) of the Spleen, the Official who transforms nourishment and carries it to every part of body, mind and spirit. If the Spleen is worn out by overwork, overthinking or not nourishing oneself, the mind becomes dull and bogged down, there is little enthusiasm for life, and thinking turns obsessive. This point restores and lifts the Spleen.
Worsley	Opens to the Spleen Official a direct, immediate and free channel to the energy the Bladder Official holds in reserve, and that store underpins the basic workings of the Official in charge of Transportation and Distribution. Location: On the back, 2 ACI from the midline, level with the dip between the T11 and T12 spinous processes. Needle depth: 3-5 fen Moxa: 7-20 cones
When to Consider	When there is mental exhaustion and overthinking When someone has neglected to nourish themselves When the mind feels dull, heavy and bogged down When there is little enthusiasm for life or any project When thinking is obsessive or cannot take in another person's view
Combinations	UB-21 Stomach Correspondence with UB-20: the two Earth Officials are often treated together
Notes	Inner AEP of the Spleen

LI-4, ST-36, LV-3, SP-10, BL-20: TCM points for weak wei qi/immune weakness; patients can massage them at home. (Yuen)
1st lunar month: PC-6, Ren-12, BL-20, KI-2 + SP-8: Month 1: PC-6; Ren-12, BL-20 support Earth; KI-2 fire 'chisels the embryo' into SP-8; avoid needling the Liver channel this month. (Lewis)
Edema of pregnancy (Zi Zhong): SJ-6, BL-20, Ren-9, Ren-11, Ren-12, ST-36, SP-3, KI-7, ST-21, BL-22: Yi Zhi Ren with Shen Ling Bai Zhu San for weak Spleen; Li Yu Tang (carp, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Sheng Jiang). (Lewis)
Month 5 limb/chest pain & restless fetus: KI-5, BL-63, BL-20, BL-49, SI-11, KI-9 + GB-13: Month 5: limbs KI-5, BL-63, BL-20, BL-49; chest/breast SI-11; restless fetus KI-9 with GB-13; avoid strong moxa/needling — massage or light needling. (Lewis)
Ginger: Oil that resonates with BL-20 Pishu; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)

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