Application of Five Shu Points (Wu Shu Xue) in Acupressure: A TCM Guide

The Five Shu Points (Wu Shu Xue) are a fundamental concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), referring to the five specific acupoints located on each of the twelve primary meridians: Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, and He-Sea. These points correspond to the five phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and are used clinically based on the principles of generation and control cycles (Sheng and Ke cycles).

The Lung belongs to the Metal phase, which governs descending and calming. For a cough without phlegm (dry cough), the Metal point of the Lung meridian, Jingqu (LU8), can be used to calm the Lung and stop coughing. For a deficiency cough (weak, chronic cough), the Earth point (Mother of Metal) – Taiyuan (LU9) – is selected to tonify the Lung. For an excess cough (loud, acute, possibly with heat), the Water point (Child of Metal) – Chize (LU5) – is drained to reduce Fire that attacks Metal. For cough with phlegm (dampness), Earth (Taiyuan) is also effective as Earth controls Water (dampness).

The Large Intestine meridian, also Metal, is exteriorly-interiorly related to the Lung. Skin dampness with itching (exterior dampness) can be treated by the Earth point of the Large Intestine meridian, Quchi (LI11), as Earth overcomes Water (dampness). Quchi is a key point for many skin disorders. The Wood point of this meridian, Sanjian (LI3), reflects Liver qi and has a constricting effect; it is used for conditions like nosebleeds to promote vessel contraction.

The Stomach belongs to Earth. For poor appetite and weak digestion, the Earth point of the Stomach meridian, Zusanli (ST36), is the master point for strengthening the Stomach. For stomach ptosis (gastroptosis), the Wood point Xiangu (ST43) is tonified to increase constriction. For stomach heat, the Water point Neiting (ST44) is used to cool Fire. For stomach cold, the Fire point Jiexi (ST41) is used to warm the cold.

The Spleen governs transformation and transportation, controlling Water. When Spleen qi deficiency fails to manage dampness, the Water point of the Spleen meridian, Yinlingquan (SP9), is drained to resolve dampness.

The Heart belongs to Fire. The Earth point of the Heart meridian, Shenmen (HT7), is a key point for calming the spirit (anxiety, palpitations) because Earth is the child of Fire, and tonifying it stabilizes the spirit.

To nourish Kidney water, the Metal point (Mother of Water) of the Kidney meridian, Fuliu (KI7), is tonified to generate Water.

For Liver fire rising (anger, headache, red eyes), the Fire point of the Liver meridian, Xingjian (LR2), is drained to purge Fire.

These examples illustrate the practical application of the Five Shu Points in acupressure and acupuncture, based on the five-phase relationships.

References

1. Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic), Chapter on Acupoints and Five Phases.
2. Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), Difficulty 68-73, detailing the Five Shu Points.
3. Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) by Yang Jizhou (1601).
4. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (standard textbook, 5th edition), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.