UB 20

Acupuncture Point Theory

UB 20 Acupuncture Point Applications and Theory

The acupuncture point "UB 20" , 脾俞, is represented by "Pi Shu" in pinyin and "Spleen Shu" in english and may be found:

1.5 cun lateral to GV 6, level with T11.


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

  • Main point for all Spleen problems from a TCM perspective of both the physical organ functions and the energetic/psychological relationships.
  • Physical spleen issues - distention, abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite along with more involved conditions - dysentary, malarial diseases.
  • Blood related conditions - heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine bleeding, blood in the stools and/or urine.
  • Commonly used for SP Qi Deficiency: fatigue (can be heavy, spreading through the limbs/heaviness), lack of appetite, abdominal bloating a/or distention, undigested food in the stools, chronic diarrhea a/or belching.


Ub 20 has the following theoretical associations which serve as important guideposts in designing an effective treatment protocol:

Explore ub 20 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. UB20, however, is a strong candidate to be incorporated into an acupuncture protocol for patients who exhibit: Spleen and Stomach Damp Heat, Spleen Blood Deficiency, Spleen Invasion - Cold Damp and/or Spleen Qi Deficiency

UB 20 may potentially be used, in coordination with a well designed acupuncture treatment protocol, to influence the following conditions: Abdominal Pain, Dysentary, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia (CFS), Malaria, Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding) and/or Uterine Bleeding

While not necessarily valid clinically, EX Huatuojiaji at T11 (T11 innervates the small intestine and is used fo…), GV 6 (General and Local spine problems. Adjusts the Sp…) and UB 49 (Reinforce the SP Shu (UB 20) especially with damp…) are nearby.

All Content 1999-2024
Chad J. Dupuis / Yin Yang House
Our Policies and Privacy Guidelines
Our Affiliated Clinics