Extra Points: Back (EX-B)

Weiwanxiashu EX-B-3

Chinese: 胃脘下俞

Pinyin: Wèi Wǎn Xià shū

Location

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 8th thoracic vertebra (T8). 

How to locate

First locate the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), which is still palpable when the neck is being flexed and extended, while the 6th cervical vertebra (C6) starts to slide anteriorly and gradually disappears. 

The spinous process of the 8th thoracic vertebra (T8) is 8 spinous process below C7.

Or first locate the spinous process of T7, which lower end is level with the inferior angle of the scapula, when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down. T8 is 1 thoracic vertebra below. 

Locate Weiwanxiashu EX-B-3 1.5 cun lateral to lower border of the spinous process of the 8th thoracic vertebra (T8). Use scapula medial border line as a reference as it is 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline. 

Main actions

  1. Opens the Channel
  2. Clear Heat and generates Fluids

Indications

Vomiting Dry throat Chest pain Epigastric pain Diabetes mellitus Lateral costal region pain

Needling

0.5–1 cun vertically or up to 1.5 cun obliquely in a medial direction.

Caution: Pneumothorax. Do not needle in a lateral direction.

Commentary for Weiwanxiashu EX-B-3

Weiwanxiashu EX-B-3 has another name 'Yishu' which is translated to 'Pancreas Transporting'. 

It is mainly used to treat diabetes mellitus and accompanying symptoms such as dry throat.