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 12th thoracic vertebra (T12).

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 five spinous

processes to the spinous process of T12. BL-21is 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:Palpate for the articulation of the most inferior rib with T12

and locate BL-211.5 cun lateral to the lower border of its spin-

ous process. Or:Use the lumbar spine for reference (➞3.4.3).

Located on the same level are a point of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lat-

eral to the midline) and ➞BL-50(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

● Regulates the Stomach, descends counterflow Qi, harmonises

the Middle Burner, eliminates Dampness and food stagnation

● Opens the channel

Special features

Back-shupoint of the Stomach, main point for regulating any

dysfunction of the Stomach.

StomachShu WEISHU BL-21

1.5

cun

1.5

cun

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-21

BL-50

Lower border of

the spinous process

BL-20

BL-21

T11

T12

Level of the

iliac crests Spinous process L5

Spinous process L4

Spinous process L3

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L1

Spinous process T12

Spinous process T11

BL-21

1.5

cun

Du-3

Level of Spinous process L4

the iliac

crests

BL-23

BL-52

Du-4

Tuffier‘s line

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