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 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3).

How to find

For orientation in the lumbar region (➞3.4.3), first, determine

the Tuffier’s line. Place both hands directly superior or lateral to

the highest points of the iliac crests, joining the thumbs on the

midline at the lumbar spine. In most cases, this line intersects

with the spinous process of L4 (note: this varies depending on

the patient’s position ➞3.4.3). From there, count upward to the

lower border of the spinous process of L3 and, on this level,

locate BL-241.5 cun in a lateral direction.

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

eral to the midline) and ➞Ex-B-5(xiazhishi; 3 cun lateral to the

midline according to the WHO location notes).

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun

Actions/Indications

● Benefits the back and strengthens the knees

● Regulates and tonifies Qi and Blood of the Lower Burner

BL-24 Sea of Qi QIHAISHU

3 cun

Level of the

iliac crests

Ex-B-5

Ex-B-2

(parts)

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

Midline

1.5

cun

BL-24

Level of the

iliac crests

Spinous process C3

Spinous process C4

Level of the iliac crests

Level of spinous process L4

(dependent on patient position)

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

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