TCM Acupuncture Theory - Front Mu and Back Shu Points

Acupuncture Points Theory

Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizies a number of theories which group acupuncture points together based on their functions and/or other relationships. Many of these theories are important in a clinical setting and are used, along with other theory and diagnostic information, to decide which acupuncture points will be used for a given condition.

Below you find information regarding the back shu and front mu points. See our Acupuncture Point Categories section for a complete list of point categories.

For complete information about a single point, click on it within the chart.

Front Mu Points Theory and Applications

  • Used primarily to treat their related organ a/or for problems in the local area.
  • Used diagnostically as they often become sore when their related organ is imbalanced.
  • Considered more for acute a/or local problems of the organs.
  • Some historical texts point more to their usage as treating imbalances within the yang organs, while the Back Shu points will treat imbalances within the yin organs.

Front Mu Points Chart
Lung LU 1 Urinary Bladder CV 3
Large Intestine ST 25 Kidney GB 25
Stomach CV 12 Pericardium CV 17
Spleen LV 13 Triple Heater CV 5
Heart CV 14 Gall Bladder GB 24
Small Intestine CV 4 Liver LV 14

Back Shu Points Theory and Applications
  • Used primarily to treat their related organ, especially with chronic conditions.
  • May be used for problems in the local area.
  • Used diagnostically as they often become sore when their related organ is imbalanced.
  • Some historical texts point more to their usage as treating imbalances within the yin organs, while the Front Mu points will treat imbalances within the yang organs.

Back Shu Points Chart
Lung UB 13 Urinary Bladder UB 28
Large Intestine UB 25 Kidney UB 23
Stomach UB 21 Pericardium UB 14
Spleen UB 20 Triple Heater UB 22
Heart UB 15 Gall Bladder UB 19
Small Intestine UB 27 Liver UB 18
Governing Vessel UB 16 Diaphragm UB 17
Qihai (Sea of Qi) UB 24 Guanyuan (Gate of Source) UB 26
Zhonglu (Center Back Muscles) UB 29 Baihuan (White Ring) UB 30
Gaohuang (Vital Region) UB 43

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