Sanjiaoshu BL22: Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications

Nomenclature:

Sanjiao: three regions of the body cavity        Shu: point
Sanjiaoshu is the place where the Qi of the Sanjiao is infused into the back.
Point: BL22
Chinese Name: 三焦俞
Name: Sanjiaoshu
English Name/Meaning: Sanjiao Transporter
Pinyin: sān jiāo shū
Han Geul 한글: sam cho yu 삼초유
Romaji: san shō yu
Vietnamese:Tam tiêu du

Location:

1.5 cun lateral to Zuanshu (GV5), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra.

Functions:

• Regulate qi and eliminate dampness.
• Opens the water way.
• Regulates shaoyang meridian (Triple energizer and gall bladder).

Indications:

• Borborygmus, abdominal distension, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentry.
• Edema, Difficulty in urination, cloudy urine, blood in urine, pain and stiffness of the lower back.
• Altered feeling of warm and cold.

Method:

Oblique or perpendicular-oblique insertion towards the spine, 1 to 1.5 cun.

Remarks:

Back shu point of triple energizer.

Precautions:

Deep perpendicular needling carries a risk of injuring the kidney.