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GV11

Du Mai (Governing Vessel) Channel

Spirit Path

神道Shén Dào

Anatomical location

Below the spinous process of T5.

Main function

Calms the Shen, regulates the Heart, strengthens the spine.

Therapeutic indications

  • Palpitations
  • insomnia
  • back pain
  • anxiety
  • Memory impairment
  • Stiffness of the back
  • Cough
  • Fever

Name and classical tradition

Shendao, 神道, is the “path of the spirit.” 神 is the shen, the spirit that Chinese medicine places in the Heart (心藏神); 道 is the path, the way. The point lies below the fifth thoracic vertebra, at the same level as BL15, Xinshu, the Heart Shu point, and the name presents it as the pathway of Heart Qi. The indications the sources give for it follow that line: confusion, sadness, oppression of Heart Qi.

The correspondence of levels with Xinshu is a consistent detail. The sources trace the point to the Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), with no confirmed verbatim quotation. The reference works record the alternative name 衝道. The 神 in the name is the same as in BL44, Shentang, also at the level of the fifth vertebra, on the outer line of the Bladder.

Location of point GV11, Spirit Path
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View point on the 3D modelGV11 on the anatomy
Needling techniquePerpendicular insertion 0.5-1 cun.
Depth0.5-1 cun
MoxibustionApplicable (3-7 cones or 5-15 minutes, indirect moxa)
PrecautionsAvoid deep needling so as not to injure the lung.
Cover of the guide “Protocols for the 20 most common patterns”

Free guide · PDF

Protocols for the 20 patterns you see most in practice

Each pattern with its tongue, its pulse, the treatment principle and the points to tonify and disperse. Made for the treatment table, not the bookshelf.

Do you use GV11 with your patients?

In the Clinic you record it in the patient's file, next to the tongue, the pulse and the measurements, so at the next session you know exactly what you used. The Atlas is built in.

See the Clinic