Five Shu Points Theory and Applications

• Some styles of acupuncture, such as Worsley (or Classical) Five Element, Japanese Five
Phase, and even some branches of TCM utilize the five element theory and acupuncture
points more extensively than others.
• The Yin Shu Stream Points are also the Yuan Source points, so they carry a role in tonifying
the Yin organs which may or may not be related to their role as Shu Stream points in treating
heaviness of the body.
• Jing-well Points - (Details)
• Where the Qi of the Channel emerges and begins moving towards the trunk of the
body
• Located on the tips of the fingers and toes
• Actions & Effects
• Restores consciousness
• Clears Heat & Stagnation from the opposite end of the channel
• Calms the Spirit (Shen)
• Treats fullness below the Heart
• Ying-spring Points - (Details)
• Where the Qi of the Channel trickles
• Located just proximal to the Jing-well points
• Actions & Effects
• Clears heat from the meridian/organ
• Effect on the opposite end of the channel (less than Jing-well)
• Clears Heat over the entire course of the channel (Jing-well works on the distal end)
• Shu-stream Points - (Details)
• Where the Qi of the Channel begins to pour
• Located at or near the joints of the extremities (i.e. ankles & wrists)
• On the Yin Channels Shu-stream points are identical to the Yuan-source points
(important for tonifying and regulating their pertaining organs)
• Actions & Effects
• Heaviness a/or pain of the joints
• Combine with the Ying-spring Points to treat the Yin organs
• Yang Shu-stream Points useful for channel stagnation
• Ling Shu ch. 44 states that they are useful for diseases which come and go
• Jing-river Points - (Details)
• Where the Qi of the Channel begins to flow more heavily
• Located on the forearm and lower leg
• Actions & Effects
• Cough, Fever & Chills - External pathogenic factors
• Disorders of the local tissues (muscles, tendons, bones, joints)
• Diseases manifesting in the voice
• He-sea Points - (Details)
• Where the Qi of the Channel enters a deeper level to communicate with its pertaining
organ
• Located at or near the elbows and knees
• Actions & Effects
• Counterflow Qi, diarrhea, skin diseases (mainly hot)
• Issues with the Yang Organs and Channels
 • Treats the Fu (hollow organs)
Five Shu Points Chart
Jing-well Ying-spring Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea
Yin Meridians
(Wood) (Fire) (Earth) (Metal) (Water)

LU LU 11 LU 10 LU 9 LU 8 LU 5
PC PC 9 PC 8 PC 7 PC 5 PC 3
HT HT 9 HT 8 HT 7 HT 4 HT 3
SP SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 5 SP 9
LV LV 1 LV 2 LV 3 LV 4 LV 8
KD KD 1 KD 2 KD 3 KD 7 KD 10
Jing-well Ying-spring Shu-stream Jing-river He-Sea
Yang Meridians
(Metal) (Water) (Wood) (Fire) (Earth)

LI LI 1 LI 2 LI 3 LI 5 LI 11
TH TH 1 TH 2 TH 3 TH 6 TH 10
SI SI 1 SI 2 SI 3 SI 5 SI 8
ST ST 45 ST 44 ST 43 ST 41 ST 36
GB GB 44 GB 43 GB 41 GB 38 GB 34
UB UB 67 UB 66 UB 65 UB 60 UB 40