Zhi is the essence of the kidneys, the qi of the kidneys; Shu refers to a room or chamber, opposite the hall. The hall is in front and the room is in the back, and it also refers to the cold and dampness from the kidneys that is transported outside the bladder meridian. The name of this acupoint signifies that the cold and dampness from the kidneys is transported through this point on the bladder meridian. Now let's explain in detail the accurate location diagram and function of Zhi Shu.
Accurate Location of Zhi Shu
Precise location: In the waist, below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, 3 cun to the side.
Easy acupoint identification: In the lateral position, first find the 12th lumbar vertebra on the back, then count down 2 protruding vertebrae, which is the second lumbar vertebra. The acupoint is located 4 transverse finger-widths to the side below its spinous process.
Anatomical Structure of Zhi Shu Acupoint
It has the latissimus dorsi muscle, the iliocostalis muscle; it has the posterior branch of the second lumbar artery and vein; it is innervated by the lateral branch of the posterior branch of the 12th thoracic nerve and the lateral branch of the posterior branch of the first lumbar nerve.
Functions and Effects of Zhi Shu Acupoint
Functions: Tonify the kidneys and nourish the essence, promote yang and facilitate urination.
Effects: Zhi Shu acupoint belongs to the bladder meridian and is located in the waist area. It corresponds to the kidneys internally and is the place where the essence and qi of the kidneys are stored. It has the function of nourishing the kidney qi, nourishing the kidney essence, and securing and storing. It has a good preventive and therapeutic effect on reproductive system disorders and disorders of the lower back and leg motor system. It is used to treat various symptoms of kidney deficiency and failure to store, such as nocturnal emission, impotence, premature ejaculation, and cloudy urine. This acupoint can also warm the kidneys, strengthen yang, transform qi and promote water circulation, and treat symptoms such as lower abdomen coldness, impaired urination, and edema. The waist is the residence of the kidneys, and both kidney deficiency and cold and dampness obstruction can cause back pain. This acupoint can be used to treat it along the meridian.
Common Combinations for Zhi Shu Acupoint Therapy
1. Combined with Shenshu, Baihuan Shu, Baliao, Guanyuan, and Sanyinjiao to tonify the kidneys, invigorate qi, strengthen yang, and consolidate essence, treating symptoms such as unstable kidney qi, seminal emission, and impotence.
2. Combined with Pishu, Shenshu, Shuifen, Zusanli, and Taixi to warm and tonify the spleen and kidneys, transform qi and promote water circulation, treating symptoms such as edema and difficulty urinating due to spleen and kidney yang deficiency.
3. Combined with Baihui, Xinshu, Shenting, and Sanyinjiao to tonify and nourish the heart and kidneys, treating symptoms such as insomnia and forgetfulness due to lack of communication between the heart and kidneys.
4. Combined with Guanyuan, Hegu, and Sanyinjiao to activate blood circulation, dispel stasis, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain, treating symptoms such as irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea caused by blood stasis in the uterus.
5. Combined with Shenshu, Mingmen, Weizhong, Sanyinjiao, and Taixi to strengthen the lower back and knees, activate meridians, and relieve pain, treating symptoms such as kidney deficiency back pain and soreness in the lower back and knees.
Massage Technique for Zhi Shu Acupoint for Health Preservation
Use the middle finger pad to rub and press the Zhi Shu acupoint for 1-3 minutes each time. Massage regularly and it can strengthen the lower back and knees, nourish the kidneys, and maintain prostate health.
