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 4th lumbar vertebra (L4).

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). On this level, locate BL-251.5

cun in a lateral direction.

Located on the same level are ➞ Du-3(on the midline),

a point of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lateral to the midline), ➞Ex-B-6

(3 cun lateral to the midline) and ➞Ex-B-7(3.5 cun lateral to

the midline).

Needling

Vertically 1–1.5 cun

Actions/Indications

● Regulates the intestines and promotes the Qi flow

● Strengthens the lower back

Special features

Back-shupoint of the Large Intestine. Important point for regu-

lating the Large Intestine Qi. Important local point for acute and

chronic lumbar disorders.

Large Intestine Shu DACHANGSHU BL-25

Midline

(dependent on

patient position)

1.5

cun

BL-25

Level of the

iliac crests C4

Spinous process C3

Spinous process C4

(dependent on patient position)

Level of the iliac crests

Level of spinous process L4

Lower border of

the spinous process

(BSP) of L4 BL-25

Du-3

Level of

the iliac

crests

Spinous process L4

Spinous process L5

Ex-B-6

Level of

the iliac

crests

Level of spinous

process L4

Ex-B-7

Level of

the iliac

crests

Spinous process L3

Spinous process L4

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