4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary ChannelsLocation
1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, on the level of the lower
border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).How to find
First, locate the spinous process of C7 (➞3.4.1). From there,
count down two spinous processes to the lower border of the
spinous process of T2. Measure 1.5 cun laterally to locate BL-12
on the highest point of the paraspinal musculature.
Located on the same level are a point of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lateral
to the midline), ➞BL-41(3 cun lateral to the midline) and
➞S.I.-13(on the scapula, on the medial end of the scapular
spine).Needling
0.5–1 cun obliquely towards the spine. In clinical practice, this
point is often needled transversely (subcutaneously) towards the
spine. This allows the patient to lie in a supine position during
needle retention (the needles can be secured with tape). Caution:
Pneumothorax. For acute febrile colds, use reducing needling
techniques or cupping. For susceptibility to catching colds, use
tonifying needling techniques and/or moxibustion.Actions/Indications
● Expels (external) Wind and releases the Exterior
● Spreads and descends the Lung Qi
● Tonifies the defensive Qi (wei qi), stabilises the Exterior
● Benefits the nose
● Opens the channelSpecial features
Meeting point with the du mai. Important point for expelling
pathogenic factors, especially Wind.BL-12 Wind Gate FENGMEN
Spinous process C7Spinous process T2Scapular spine
MediSpinous process T3BL-41scapSpinous process C7
Spinous process T1 S.I.-13Spinous process L2Spinous process L1Spinous process L3Ex-B-2
(parts)Spinous process C7Spinous process T2
Spinous process T3Spinous process T7Spinous process T12Midline1.5
cun1.5
cunBase of the
scapular spineInferior
angleBladder channel,
lateral branch
Bladder channel,
medial branchMedial borderof the scapula
BL-12BL-12Lower border of
the spinous process
of T315141244421 2 3 4 5 6
S.I.-12
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