Transporting points (Bei Shu Xue)

Current names: Transporting points, influencing points of the back, Bei Shu Xue, Shu points (Chinese), Yu points (Japanese). Shu means transporting, transferring.

All Transporting points are situated on the posterior side of the body, on the inner branch of the Bladder Meridian (between the 3rd thoracic vertebra and the 2nd sacral foramen). Each organ system has an associated Shu point.

According to traditional Chinese thought the Shu points activate the Qi (life force) and Xue (Blood) and the associated organ systems and functional aspects, hence the denomination "influencing points."

Because of their close relationship to the corresponding inner organ systems, the Transporting points react to disorders of the organs and become sensitive to pressure. They are therefore indicated to treat illnesses affecting the corresponding organs. They are consequently used both for diagnosis, as well as therapeutically.

Transporting points are indicated both for chronic, as well as acute symptoms and are used to influence congestion by draining, distributing and sedating the Qi. In addition they can act on Deficient energy (weakness) by stimulating and Tonifying the concerned organ system.

Chronic disorders are often addressed by using a combination of Shu- Mu (Alarm points) of the affected organ.