Atlas of Acupuncture

4.7 The Bladder Channel System – Foot taiyang(zu tai yang jing luo)

Location

1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, on the level of the lower

border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

How to find

The spinous process of the T7 is approximately on the level

of the inferior angle of the scapula (➞3.4.2). BL-17is located

on the level of the lower border of its spinous process and 1.5 cun

lateral to the midline at the highest point of the paraspinal mus-

culature. Or:Use the spinous process of the T3 for reference

(generally on the level of the medial end of the scapular spine)

(➞3.4.2). Or:Use C7 as a reference point (➞3.4.1).

Located on the same level are ➞Du-9 (on the midline), a point

of ➞Ex-B-2 (0.5 cun lateral to the midline) and ➞BL-46

(3 cun lateral to the midline).

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.

Actions/Indications

● Cools Blood-Heat, stops bleeding, removes Blood stasis,

nourishes and harmonises Blood (and Yin)

● Regulates the diaphragm, descends counterflow Qi

● Moves Qi locally and along the channel pathway

Special features

Back-shupoint of the Diaphragm, hui-meeting point of the

Blood.

DiaphragmShu GESHU BL-17

1.5

cun

1.5

cun

Spinous process C7

Spinous process T3

Spinous process T7

Spinous process T12

Midline

Base of the

scapular spine

Inferior

angle

Bladder channel,

lateral branch

Bladder channel,

medial branch

Medial borderof the scapula

BL-17

BL-17

Lower border of

the spinous

process (BSP) of T7

S.I.-15 Du-14

Extension and

flexion of the head

G.B.-21

2 fingers on the

spinous processes

of C6 and 7

Du-9

3 cun

BL-46 Inferior

angle

Spinous process T7

Ch04.7a-F10028.qxd 2/23/08 3:54 PM Page 267