UB 18

Acupuncture Point Theory

UB 18 Acupuncture Point Applications and Theory

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The acupuncture point "UB 18" , 肝俞, is represented by "Gan Shu" in pinyin and "Liver Shu" in english and may be found:

1.5 cun lateral to GV 8, level with T9.


Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Main point for all Liver related conditions in TCM terms - physical and psycho-emotional.
  • Physical liver issues such as - hepatitis, jaundice, cirrhosis.  Generalized blood stagnation, qi stagnation, etc.
  • Brightens the eyes - important point for eye problems, pain, itching, dryness, redness, blurred vision, visual dizziness, twitching, night blindness.
  • Spreads liver qi and stablizes the spirit - important point for LV related emotional issues such as anger, depression, irritability, frustration, stress a/or PMS.
  • Useful for hypochondriac a/or subcostal pain/distention.


Ub 18 has the following theoretical associations which serve as important guideposts in designing an effective treatment protocol:

Explore ub 18 functional grouping theory - MuShu, or read all point categories and related theory.

A single acupuncture point is not commonly thought of as an empirical way to influence a TCM diagnostic pattern. UB18, however, is a strong candidate to be incorporated into an acupuncture protocol for patients who exhibit: Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Blood Stagnation, Liver Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Yang Rising and/or Spleen and Stomach Damp Heat

UB 18 may potentially be used, in coordination with a well designed acupuncture treatment protocol, to influence the following conditions: Anxiety, Depression, Eye Problems, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Hepatitis (B or C), Irregular Menstruation, Irritability, Jaundice, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and/or Vision Problems

While not necessarily valid clinically, EX Huatuojiaji at T9 (T9 (Left) innervates the stomach and is used for …), GV 8 ( Reinforces Liver Back-sh…) and UB 47 (Reinforce the LV Back Shu (UB 18) and help treat …) are nearby.

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