Five Shu (Transporting) Points Guide
Introduction
The Five Shu (Transporting) Points are a fundamental concept in acupuncture, describing the way qi flows through the meridians. These points are arranged from the extremities to the elbows and knees, each playing a distinct role in channel regulation, organ function, and pathology treatment.
Key Points
Five Shu Points are Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, and He-Sea points.
Qi flows from superficial to deep, changing characteristics at each point.
These points are used for different conditions depending on qi dynamics, seasonal correspondences, and zang-fu theory.
The Five Shu Points are important for treatment selection based on symptoms and disease progression.
Overview of the Five Shu Points
| Point Category | Qi Characteristics | Function | Example Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jing-Well | Where qi emerges | Clears heat, revives consciousness, treats fullness below the heart | LU-11, LI-1, SP-1 |
| Ying-Spring | Where qi begins to flow | Clears heat, treats febrile diseases, regulates yin-yang balance | LU-10, ST-44, HT-8 |
| Shu-Stream | Where qi strengthens | Treats heaviness, joint pain, harmonizes zang organs | LU-9, SP-3, HT-7 |
| Jing-River | Where qi flows deeper | Treats respiratory and voice-related disorders | LU-8, ST-41, PC-5 |
| He-Sea | Where qi enters deep | Treats digestive, skin, and organ-related diseases | LU-5, ST-36, UB-40 |
➡️ Explore Acupuncture Point Categories
Function and Clinical Applications of Each Shu Point
1. Jing-Well Points (Qi Emerges)
Located at fingertips and toes.
Treat acute conditions, loss of consciousness, and mental disorders.
Example: LU-11 (Shaoshang) is used for throat swelling and fevers.
2. Ying-Spring Points (Qi Begins to Flow)
Located proximal to the Jing-Well points.
Clear heat from the body, regulate yin-yang, and treat febrile conditions.
Example: ST-44 (Neiting) clears heat from the Stomach channel.
➡️ Learn More About Heat-Clearing Acupuncture Points
3. Shu-Stream Points (Qi Strengthens)
Located near wrists and ankles.
Influence zang (yin) organs and treat joint pain and digestive issues.
Example: SP-3 (Taibai) tonifies the Spleen and resolves dampness.
4. Jing-River Points (Qi Flows Deeper)
Located near the forearms and lower legs.
Treat conditions affecting voice, breathing, and muscle tension.
Example: LU-8 (Jingqu) treats cough and throat disorders.
➡️ Discover the Jing-River Points for Respiratory Health
5. He-Sea Points (Qi Enters Deep)
Located near elbows and knees.
Treat digestive, circulatory, and zang-fu disorders.
Example: ST-36 (Zusanli) strengthens digestion, immunity, and overall energy.
Treatment Strategies Using Five Shu Points
Jing-Well & Ying-Spring: Best for acute diseases, fevers, and excess heat.
Shu-Stream: Used in organ tonification and chronic conditions.
Jing-River: Applied for respiratory issues, voice disorders, and muscle tension.
He-Sea: Treat digestive, blood-related, and skin disorders.
➡️ Explore He-Sea Points for Digestive Disorders
Conclusion
The Five Shu Points serve as an essential framework in acupuncture for understanding qi flow, pathology, and treatment selection. By mastering these points, practitioners can effectively treat a range of conditions from acute heat syndromes to chronic organ dysfunctions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I choose which Five Shu Point to use?
Consider disease stage, qi dynamics, and organ involvement when selecting Shu points.
Q: What is the most commonly used He-Sea Point?
ST-36 (Zusanli) is widely used for digestion, energy boosting, and immune support.
Q: Can Five Shu Points be combined for better treatment?
Yes! Practitioners often combine Jing-Well and He-Sea points for dual tonification and clearing strategies.
Sources:
Deadman, P. (2001). A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
Maciocia, G. (2015). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists. Churchill Livingstone.
Kendall, D. E. (2002). The Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an Ancient Healing Art. Oxford University Press.