Shí Qī Zhuī (十七椎) — Seventeenth Vertebra
On this page
1. Overview
Shí Qī Zhuī (十七椎) — Seventeenth Vertebra — is an extra acupuncture point (not on any of the fourteen main channels). It is used as an adjunct to channel-based prescriptions in acupuncture practice for the indications below.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use this point as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Below the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), on the posterior midline.
3. Actions
- Regulates the Chong and Ren channels
- Warms the Uterus and relieves period pain
- Frees the low back channels
4. Indications
- Dysmenorrhoea (period pain) — a primary indication
- Low back pain and lumbar stiffness
- Sciatica
- Retained lochia
5. Needling
Perpendicular 0.5–1 cun. Very responsive to moxibustion for cold-type dysmenorrhoea.
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
One of the most reliable points in acupuncture for menstrual cramp. Often combined with SP 6, SP 8 and CV 4 for period pain of any TCM pattern.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Shí Qī Zhuī as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Period pain / dysmenorrhoea, Back pain, Sciatica. 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.
