GV-12 - Body Pillar

身柱 - Shēn zhù

Point Region: Upper back

GV

Governing Vessel

督脉 - Dū mài

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the upper back, on the midline, in the hollow below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3), level with the inner ends of the bony ridges of the shoulder blades.

How to Locate:

  1. Stand with your arms by your sides
  2. Find the line joining the inner ends of the bony ridges across the two shoulder blades
  3. The point is where it crosses the spine, in the hollow below the bump of T3
GV-12 (Body Pillar) acupressure point location: On the upper back, on the midline, in the hollow below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3), level with the inner ends of the bony ridges of the shoulder blades.

How to Apply Pressure

After finding GV-12, place a fingertip lightly rather than pressing into the spine, especially when touching a child. Do not use it for a high fever, seizure, or breathing difficulty; seek medical care for those symptoms.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Neck stiffness
  • Back pain
  • Respiratory infections
  • Childhood developmental disorders

Related Health Concerns

Cold and Flu OnsetNeck and Shoulder Pain

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • High fever requiring medical attention
  • Acute seizure disorders
  • Severe respiratory distress

Take care:

  • Avoid during active fever episodes
  • Seek medical attention for persistent respiratory symptoms
  • Use gentle pressure in children