BL 16 — Dū Shū (督俞) — Governor Shu
On this page
1. Overview
BL 16 — Dū Shū (督俞) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Governor Shu, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used in acupuncture practice as part of channel-balancing prescriptions for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use BL 16 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
1.5 cun lateral to the lower end of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra.
3. Actions
- Regulates the Heart
- Invigorates the Blood
4. Indications
- Endocarditis
- Pericarditis
- Abdominal pain
- Borborygmus
- Diaphragmatic spasms
- Mastitis
- Alopecia
- Pruritis
- Psoriasis
5. Needling
Slanted insertion toward the spine, 0.7 to 1 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness, sometimes extending to the ribs and chest.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
BL 16 Dū Shū (Governor Shu) is used as part of channel-balancing prescriptions tailored to the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 16 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
