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 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).How to find
In a standing position with the arms hanging down, the spinous
process of T7 is approximately on the level of the inferior angle
of the scapula (➞3.4.2). From there, count down two spinous
processes to the spinous process of T9. BL-18is located on the
level of the lower border of its spinous process and 1.5 cun lat-
eral to the midline at the highest point of the paraspinal muscu-
lature. Or:Use the C7 as a reference point (➞3.4.1). From there,
count down nine spinous processes to T9 and locate BL-181.5
cun lateral to the lower border of its spinous process.
Located on the same level are ➞Du-8(on the midline), a point
of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lateral to the midline) and ➞BL-47
(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
● Spreads Liver Qi, cools Fire, clears Damp-Heat, regulates
and nourishes Liver Blood, subdues (internal) Wind
● Benefits the eyes
● Benefits the sinewsSpecial features
Back-shupoint of the LiverBL-18 LiverShu GANSHU
BL-47Spinous process T7Spinous process T9Inferior
angleDu-8Spinous process T9
Spinous process T101.5
cun1.5
cunSpinous process C7Spinous process T12Spinous process T9Spinous process T7Spinous process T3MidlineInferior
angleBladder channel,
lateral branch
Bladder channel,
medial branchMedial borderof the scapulaBL-18Base of the
scapular spineBL-18Lower border of
the spinous process
(BSP) of T91718202325864Ex B-6^352494746
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
59Ex-B-4Ex-B-5 Ex-B-5
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