Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

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

border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

How to find

In a seated 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 four spinous

processes to the spinous process of T11. BL-20is 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 musculature.

Or:Locate the articulation of the most inferior rib (T12) and

palpate in a superior direction to T11. Or:Use the lumbar spine

for reference (➞3.4.3).

Located on the same level are ➞ Du-6 (on the midline),

a point of ➞Ex-B-2 (0.5 cun lateral to the midline) and BL-49

(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

● Tonifies the Spleen Qi and Yang, regulates Qi in the Middle,

raises Qi

● Transforms Dampness

● Holds and nourishes Blood

Special features

Back-shupoint of the spleen. Major point for tonifying the Mid-

dle, especially for Spleen deficiency syndromes. Use moxibus-

tion or tonifying needle techniques for nourishing the Blood.

BL-20 SpleenShu PISHU

S.I.-15 Du-14

Extension and

flexion of the head

G.B.-21

2 fingers on the

spinous processes

of C6 and 7

Spinous process T11 BL-49

Spinous process T12

1.5

cun

1.5

cun

Spinous process T12

Spinous process T12

Spinous process T7

Spinous process T3

Spinous process C7

Midline

Base of the

scapular spine

Inferior

angle

Bladder channel,

lateral branch

Bladder channel,

medial branch

Medial borderof the scapula

BL-20

Lower border of

the spinous process

(BSP) of T11 BL-20

17

18

20

23

25

8

6

4

Ex-B-6^3

52

49

47

46

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

9

Ex-B-4

Ex-B-5 Ex-B-5

Ex-B-7

Ex-B-3

Du-6

Spinous process T11

Spinous process T12

Ex-B-2

(parts)

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L3

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