Governing Vessel meridian
GV-12 (Shēnzhù, 身柱) — Body Pillar
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel (GV)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Upper thoracic Governing Vessel point at T3; no separate command-point class is identified in the checked sources.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-1.0 cun oblique superiorly, limited by vertebral and spinal-canal anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Applicable according to the checked GV-12 point source
- Reference aliases
- GV12; Shenzhu; 身柱; Body Pillar
Anatomical location
On the upper back, on the posterior midline in the depression below the spinous process of T3.
Traditional actions
Traditionally clears heat, supports Lung qi, and steadies the spirit.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include cough, wheezing, fever, upper-back stiffness, and seizure patterns.
Secondary: Secondary uses include poor concentration, agitation, and weakness in children.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) GV12, p. 209
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Du 12: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference DU-12: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, central nervous system, p. 25
Frequently asked questions
Where is GV-12 located?
On the upper back, on the posterior midline in the depression below the spinous process of T3.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GV-12?
Traditionally clears heat, supports Lung qi, and steadies the spirit. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include cough, wheezing, fever, upper-back stiffness, and seizure patterns. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include poor concentration, agitation, and weakness in children.
Is GV-12 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify GV-12 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.