Five Shu Points (Wushu Xue)

points (theory)

On each of the twelve meridians, from the fingertips to the elbow or knee, there are five special points—the “five shu.” They are figuratively compared to the flow of water: jing—the well (at the nail, where qi “emerges”), Yin—the spring, Shu—the stream, Jing—the river, and He—the sea (at the elbow or knee, where qi “flows inward”). Each type is traditionally associated with specific indications: the Jing Wells—for chest fullness and fainting; the Yin Springs—for fever; the Shu Streams—for heaviness and pain in the joints; jing-rivers—for cough and fever, and he-seas—for diseases of the fu organs and digestion. The five shu points are also associated with the five primary elements, which are used in point selection.