GV-3 - Yang Pass

阳关 - Yāo yáng guān

Point Region: Lower back

GV

Governing Vessel

督脉 - Dū mài

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the lower back, on the midline, in the hollow below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4).

How to Locate:

  1. Find the highest points of the two hip bones (the iliac crests) at your sides
  2. The spinal bump on the midline at that level is L4
  3. The point is in the hollow just below it
GV-3 (Yang Pass) acupressure point location: On the lower back, on the midline, in the hollow below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4).

How to Apply Pressure

After finding GV-3, use a fingertip for steady, gentle contact; do not press deeply or over an injured area. Avoid it with an acute spinal fracture or severe disc herniation, and stop if leg numbness or pain develops. If you cannot reach comfortably, skip it rather than strain.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Lumbago
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Impotence
  • Nocturnal emission
  • Diarrhea
  • Lower back stiffness
  • Kidney deficiency

Related Health Concerns

Lower Back PainMenstrual Irregularity

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Acute spinal fracture
  • Severe disc herniation

Take care:

  • Avoid deep pressure if experiencing acute back pain
  • Discontinue if numbness occurs in legs