Yishe 意舍
Upper back, 3 cun out from the back midline at the level of T11.
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Vertebra t11 · Latissimus dorsi muscle · Serratus posterior inferior muscle · Eleventh rib
Rendered straight from the 3D model at the computed location. The glowing ring marks Yishe.
On this page
1Where is Yishe?
Upper back, 3 cun out from the back midline at the level of T11.
The level is set by the lower edge of the T11 spinous process.
Vertebra t11 · Latissimus dorsi muscle · Serratus posterior inferior muscle · Eleventh rib
2How do I find it on my body?
- Find T12, level with the midpoint between the lower tip of the shoulder blade and the top of the iliac crest. The spinous process just above it is T11.
- Take the height of the lower edge of that spinous process.
- Press 3 cun out from the midline. With the arms hanging, this is the vertical line along the inner border of the shoulder blade.
- If the blade covers the spot, fold the arms in front so the shoulder blades slide outward, then press.
A cun is a body-scaled unit of length. The precise way is to divide a bone length into equal parts (proportional bone cun); finger widths are a quick estimate.
- serratus posterior inferior
- A thin muscle deep in the lower back, under latissimus dorsi. It runs from the lower back and upper lumbar bones to the lowest four ribs.
- iliac crest
- The curved bony ridge forming the top rim of the pelvis, under your palms when you put your hands on your hips. A line joining the highest points on both sides usually crosses the fourth lumbar spinous process.
- spinous process
- The bony spike sticking backward from the middle of each spine bone. The row of bumps you feel down the middle of the back is these, and they serve as the counting marks for back points.
- latissimus dorsi
- The broad muscle covering the lower back and sides. It runs from the lower back and pelvis, behind the armpit, to the humerus, and pulls the arm down and back, as in a pull-up.
3Before you press
- Do not bear down hard on the spine or ribs with an elbow or a tool.
- Avoid broken or swollen skin and press only to a comfortable level.
- Acupressure is not a substitute for medical care.
4How has it been used traditionally?
- Lateral to the Spleen back-shu point (BL20); in classical theory yi (thought) belongs to the Spleen, and the name means 'dwelling of yi'.
From traditional texts — not a claim of effect.
?FAQ
Where exactly is Yishe?
Upper back, 3 cun out from the back midline at the level of T11. The level is set by the lower edge of the T11 spinous process.
How do I find Yishe?
Find T12, level with the midpoint between the lower tip of the shoulder blade and the top of the iliac crest. The spinous process just above it is T11. Take the height of the lower edge of that spinous process. Press 3 cun out from the midline. With the arms hanging, this is the vertical line along the inner border of the shoulder blade. If the blade covers the spot, fold the arms in front so the shoulder blades slide outward, then press. it is level with Pishu (BL20) and, on the midline, with Jizhong (GV6).
What should I watch out for?
Do not bear down hard on the spine or ribs with an elbow or a tool. Avoid broken or swollen skin and press only to a comfortable level. Acupressure is not a substitute for medical care.
Sources
- Location: WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008), p. 124
- Standard comparison: Chinese national standard GB/T 12346-2021 (Nomenclature and location of meridian points), p. 19 — same location
- Korean anatomical terms: KMLE medical dictionary
- Traditional-use cross-check: AcuAtlas dataset (CC BY 4.0)
- Classical record: Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing vol. 3, sec. 9 (3-cun back line)
- 3D: computed on Z-Anatomy (CC BY-SA 4.0) · BodyParts3D © DBCLS
Positions computed from the WHO standard locations (2008) on Z-Anatomy (CC BY-SA 4.0) · BodyParts3D © DBCLS. For reference only — not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. See a clinician if you are unwell.