Atlas of Acupuncture

5.3 Du mai

Location

On the midline, below the spinous process of the 1st lumbar ver-

tebra (L1).

How to find

For orientation in the lumbar region (➞3.4.3), first, locate the

Tuffier’s line by placing both hands directly superior and lateral

to the two highest points on the iliac crest, joining the thumbs on

the midline. The Tuffier’s line generally intersects with the spin-

ous process of L4. (Note: Anatomical orientation in the lumbar

region is dependent on the patient’s position; for more detail on

differential orientation ➞3.4.) From there, count up to the spin-

ous process of L1 and locate Du-5on the midline, below its

spinous process. Or:Use the spinous process of T7 (inferior

angle of the scapula ➞3.4.2) for reference.

Located on the same level are a point of ➞Ex-B-2/BL-22/

BL-51/Ex-B-4(0.5/1.5/3/3.5 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

● Opens the channel

● Regulates Qi in the Lower Burner

Suspended Pivot XUANSHU Du-5

Level of the

iliac crests Spinous process L4

Spinous process L5

Du-5

Spinous process L3

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L1

Du-3

Spinous

Level of process L4

the iliac

crests

BL-23

BL-52

Du-4

Tuffier's line

BL-22

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L1 BL-51

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L1 Ex-B-4

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