Eastern Medicine Series 11 ー Understanding the Five Shu Points (Go-Yu-Ketsu) ー Seeing the Meridians as the Flow of a River ー August 2, 2026 (Sunday)
## Introduction
In the study of Eastern Medicine, the Five Shu Points are one of the important concepts.
The names are:
Jing-Well Point (Sei-ketsu)
Ying-Spring Point (Ei-ketsu)
Shu-Stream Point (Yu-ketsu)
Jing-River Point (Kei-ketsu)
He-Sea Point (Go-ketsu)
These terms are often memorized for examinations.
However, simply memorizing the names does not always lead to true understanding.
The meaning becomes clearer when we imagine the flow of Qi through the meridians as the flow of water in a river.
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# The Meridians as the Flow of a River
Meridians are pathways through which Qi and Blood flow.
This flow can be compared to water:
Water springs from a well.
↓
It becomes a small stream.
↓
It gathers into a river.
↓
The river becomes larger and stronger.
↓
It finally enters the sea.
The Five Shu Points represent these stages of the flow of Qi.
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# Meaning of the Five Shu Points
## 1. Jing-Well Point (Sei-ketsu)
This is like the place where water springs from a well.
It is the point where the Qi of the meridian first appears.
The traditional indication is:
"Fullness below the heart"
It is related to stagnation of Qi and sensations of fullness in the chest or upper abdomen.
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## 2. Ying-Spring Point (Ei-ketsu)
This is the place where water begins to flow.
The movement of Qi becomes active and is associated with heat.
The traditional indication is:
"Body heat"
It is related to heat symptoms.
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## 3. Shu-Stream Point (Yu-ketsu)
This is the place where water joins a stream.
Qi gathers here and helps regulate the condition of the body.
The traditional indication is:
"Heaviness of the body and joint pain"
It is related to feelings of heaviness and pain in the joints.
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## 4. Jing-River Point (Kei-ketsu)
This is where the stream becomes a larger and stronger river.
The flow of Qi becomes greater and is related to influences from the outside environment.
The traditional indication is:
"Cough, breathing problems, and chills or fever"
It is associated with symptoms such as coughing, asthma, and temperature imbalance.
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## 5. He-Sea Point (Go-ketsu)
This is where the river enters the sea.
It represents the deepest stage of the flow and has a strong relationship with the internal organs.
The traditional indication is:
"Rebellious Qi and diarrhea"
It is related to upward movement of Qi and digestive problems.
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# Relationship with the Five Elements
The Five Shu Points are assigned to the Five Elements:
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
## Yin Meridians
Jing-Well = Wood
Ying-Spring = Fire
Shu-Stream = Earth
Jing-River = Metal
He-Sea = Water
The order is:
Wood → Fire → Earth → Metal → Water
Yin meridians are related to the inner body and the storage of life energy. Therefore, they begin with Wood, which represents the beginning of growth in nature.
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## Yang Meridians
Jing-Well = Metal
Ying-Spring = Water
Shu-Stream = Wood
Jing-River = Fire
He-Sea = Earth
The order is:
Metal → Water → Wood → Fire → Earth
Yang meridians travel more on the outer surface of the body and are connected with the external environment. Therefore, they begin with Metal.
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# The Five Elements, Generating Cycle and Controlling Cycle
When selecting Five Shu Points for treatment, the relationships of the Five Elements are important.
## Generating Cycle (So-Sei)
This is the relationship of supporting and nurturing.
Water nourishes Wood.
Wood creates Fire.
Fire creates Earth.
Earth creates Metal.
Metal creates Water.
For example, if the Wood element is weak, the Water element, which is the mother of Wood, may be supported.
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## Controlling Cycle (So-Koku)
This is the relationship that maintains balance.
Wood controls Earth.
Fire controls Metal.
Earth controls Water.
Metal controls Wood.
Water controls Fire.
When one function becomes excessive or deficient, the balance of the Five Elements is considered when selecting treatment points.
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# My Reflection on Learning
When studying for the national examination, I memorized:
Jing-Well: fullness below the heart
Ying-Spring: body heat
Shu-Stream: heaviness of the body and joint pain
Jing-River: cough and chills or fever
He-Sea: rebellious Qi and diarrhea
However, memorizing information and truly understanding it are not the same.
The Five Shu Points are not only items to memorize.
They represent:
"The journey of Qi through the meridian, from a spring, to a stream, to a river, and finally into the sea."
Through this study, I was able to understand the Five Shu Points in a more complete and three-dimensional way.
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