Governing Vessel meridian

GV-8 (Jīnsuō, 筋缩) — Sinew Contraction

Meridian
Governing Vessel (GV)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
T9 Governing Vessel point named for sinew contraction; no additional command class is listed 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-8 point source
Reference aliases
GV8; Jinsuo; 筋缩; Sinew Contraction

Anatomical location

On the upper back, on the posterior midline in the depression below the spinous process of T9.

Traditional actions

Traditionally relaxes spasms, settles internal wind, and eases the thoracic spine.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include spinal stiffness, muscle spasm, seizure patterns, and epigastric pain.

Secondary: Secondary uses include jaundice patterns and agitation.

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.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) GV8, p. 207
  2. Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Du 8: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
  3. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference DU-8: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
  4. WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, central nervous system, p. 25

Frequently asked questions

Where is GV-8 located?

On the upper back, on the posterior midline in the depression below the spinous process of T9.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for GV-8?

Traditionally relaxes spasms, settles internal wind, and eases the thoracic spine. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include spinal stiffness, muscle spasm, seizure patterns, and epigastric pain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include jaundice patterns and agitation.

Is GV-8 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify GV-8 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.