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POINT: DU-3 (GOVERNING VESSEL-3)

NAME: YAOYANGGUAN

English: Lumbar Yang Gate
Also Known As: Lumbar Yang's Hinge
Gate of Yang
Loins Yang Border

LOCATION:

  • On the midline of the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra.
    Note: this point is located one intervertebral space below the line connecting the highest points of the two iliac crests.

NEEDLING:

  • Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
  • Caution: the spinal cord lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.
  • Below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra, at the level of the crista iliaca.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.
  • Between the spinous processes of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.

COMMAND FUNCTIONS:

ACTIONS:

  • Dispels Wind-Damp
  • Benefits the lumbar region and legs
  • Regulates the lower Jiao
  • Tonifies Yang
  • Regulates Kidney Qi
  • Benefits the lower back and knees
  • Eliminates Cold-Dampness

INDICATIONS:

  • Inability to flex and extend the knee
  • Pain of the outer aspect of the knee
  • Wind Bi with numbness
  • Contraction of the sinews
  • Inability to walk
  • Pain of the crotch and lumbar region due to taxation injury
  • Muscular atrophy, motor impairment, numbness and pain of the lower extremities
  • Sciatica
  • Metritis
  • Metrorrhagia
  • Nocturnal emission
  • Spermatorrhea
  • Wei and Bi syndromes of the lover limbs
  • Lower limb asthenia
  • Numbness of the lower limbs
  • Numb and stiff legs
  • Chronic enteritis
  • Scrofula
  • Hernia
  • Continuous vomiting
  • Seminal emission
  • Impotence
  • White turbidity
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Leukorrhea
  • Nephritis
  • Colitis
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Impotence
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Lumbar disc problems
  • Lower back pain
  • Lower abdominal distention
  • Knee pain or weakness
  • Leg cramps
  • Leg paralysis
  • Diarrhea due to Cold-Damp
  • Arthritis of the knee
  • Contractures of the lower limbs preventing walking
  • White vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal discharge with Blood
  • Myelitis

COMBINATIONS:

DU-4
Mingmen
DU-5
Xuanshu

Multiple neuritis

   

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

NOTES:

  • The primary use for this point is in treatment of low back and leg disorders, particularly if they are due to Kidney Yang Deficiency.
  • This point is said to be especially good for vaginal discharge with mucus and Phlegm.