Atlas of Acupuncture

5.3 Du mai

Location

On the midline, below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic

vertebra (T7).

How to find

Find T7 (➞3.4.2) and locate Du-9on the midline, below its

spinous process. Or: Use the Tuffier’s line for reference

(➞3.4.3). Locate T7 by counting up from L4 and there locate

Du-9on the midline, below the spinous process.

Located on the same level are a point of ➞Ex-B-2/BL-17/

BL-46(0.5/1.5/3 cun lateral to the midline).

Needling

0.5–1 cun strictly vertically to the skin or obliquely in an inferior

direction, with the patient’s back straight or flexed in order to

avoid puncturing the spinal canal. Oblique insertions should

only be carried out by experienced practitioners, as in small per-

sons (irrespective of their body weight), the spinal canal may be

reached after only 1.25 cun.

Actions/Indications

● Strengthens the Spleen and eliminates Dampness

● Clears Damp-Heat from the Middle Burner

● Harmonises the Upper Burner

Reaching Yang ZHIYANG Du-9

Du-9

Spinous process C7

Midline

Spinous process T3

Spinous process T7

Base of the

scapular spine

Inferior

angle

Du-14

Extension and

flexion of the head

S.I.-15

G.B.-21

2 fingers on the

spinous processes

of C6 and C7

Inferior

Spinous process T7 BL-17 angle

3 cun

Inferior

Spinous process T7 BL-46 angle

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