GV 12 — Shēn Zhù (身柱) — Body Pillar
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1. Overview
GV 12 — Shēn Zhù (身柱) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) meridian. Its English name, Body Pillar, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice 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, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Below the spinous process of T3, on the posterior midline.
3. Actions
- Tonifies Lung Qi and clears Lung Heat
- Calms the Mind and treats childhood disorders
- Clears Heat and reduces fever
- Strengthens the thoracic spine
4. Indications
- Children's conditions — recurrent colds and febrile convulsions
- Cough and asthma from Lung deficiency
- Thoracic back pain
- Epilepsy and mania from Fire disturbing the Du Mai
5. Needling
Oblique superior insertion 0.5–1.0 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
GV 12 is particularly associated with paediatric practice in Japanese acupuncture, where it is one of the most important points for strengthening children's constitution and treating recurrent respiratory infections. Combined with BL 13 and LU 7 it forms the prescription for Lung Qi deficiency in both children and adults.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GV 12 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Allergies, Back pain. Each treatment is individually designed 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.
