GV-5 - Suspended Pivot

悬枢 - Xuán shū

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 first lumbar vertebra (L1).

How to Locate:

  1. Find L4, the spinal bump level with the highest points of the hip bones
  2. Count three bumps up to L1
  3. The point is in the hollow just below it
GV-5 (Suspended Pivot) acupressure point location: On the lower back, on the midline, in the hollow below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1).

How to Apply Pressure

Once you have found GV-5, use soft fingertip contact and avoid pressing on any injured area. Do not use it after a spinal injury or to manage severe abdominal pain; persistent pain needs medical evaluation.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Lumbar stiffness
  • Indigestion
  • Stomach pain

Related Health Concerns

Stomach Cramps

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Acute spinal injury
  • Severe abdominal pain requiring medical attention

Take care:

  • Avoid if experiencing severe digestive symptoms
  • Seek medical evaluation for persistent abdominal pain