The Shenshu (BL-23) acupressure point—one of the most important points for supporting the kidneys, lower back, and energy levels in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
📍 Shenshu (BL-23) – "Kidney Shu"
🔎 Location
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Located on the lower back, approximately 1.5 cun (thumb-widths) lateral to the lower border of the 2nd lumbar vertebra (L2).
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To find it easily: Place your hands on your waist (thumbs pointing toward your spine). Where your thumbs land naturally is often around the L2–L3 region—move about two finger-widths outwards from the spine on either side.
✋ How to Apply Acupressure
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Sit or lie down comfortably with access to your lower back.
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Use your thumbs or knuckles to press into both points at the same time.
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Apply firm, steady pressure or do gentle circular massage for 1–2 minutes.
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Breathe deeply and relax during stimulation.
💡 You can also use tennis balls or a foam roller while lying down to apply pressure to this area if reaching is difficult.
🌿 Benefits of Shenshu (BL-23)
🔋 Kidney & Vital Energy Support
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Considered the Back-Shu point of the Kidneys, it’s used to tonify Kidney Qi, Yang, and Yin.
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Improves fatigue, low energy, and cold intolerance (especially cold in the lower limbs or low back).
🧘♀️ Back & Spine Health
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Relieves chronic low back pain, stiffness, and weakness of the lumbar area.
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Great for issues related to disc problems, sciatica, or poor posture.
💧 Urinary & Reproductive System
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Aids with urinary retention, frequent urination, and incontinence.
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Used for sexual health: supports libido, fertility, and menstrual regulation in TCM.
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May relieve symptoms of menopause and lower abdominal coldness.
🦴 Bone & Marrow Nourishment
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Tonifies marrow, which in TCM includes brain and bones—can help with dizziness, tinnitus, and weak knees.
⚠️ Precautions
- Always check with your healthcare provider before you utilize any kind of acupressure
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Avoid very deep or aggressive pressure, especially if you have a back injury or disc issues.