Jinsuo DU-8
Chinese: 筋缩
Pinyin: Jīn Suō
Location
On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
How to locate
Locate the Tufffier's line, which connects the two most superior points on the iliac crest. It generally intersects with the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra (L4).
Then locate the 9th thoracic vertebra by counting up 7. Locate Jinsuo DU-8 below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9) on the midline.
Main actions
- Pacifies Liver Wind
- Relieves spasm
- Calms the Mind
Needling
0.5–1 cun strictly vertically to the skin or obliquely in an inferior direction, with the patient’s back straight or flexed in order to avoid puncturing the spinal canal.
Oblique insertions should only be carried out by experienced practitioners, as in small persons, irrespective of their body weight, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun.
Commentary for Jinsuo DU-8
The Liver controls the sinews and the upstirring Liver Wind is responsible for various disorders such as abnormal movement, muscle spasms, spine stiffness or contraction, tremor and epilepsy. Jinsuo is translated to 'Sinew contraction' or ‘Tendon spasm’ in Chinese. It is most used for soothes the Liver and pacifies the internal Wind so as to relieve spasm.
It can also be used to calm the Mind by removing Liver Qi Stagnation.