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 5th lumbar vertebra (L5).

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; for more detail on orientation in the lumbar/

sacral region ➞3.4.3, 3.4.4). Next, locate the lower border of

the spinous process of L5 and, on this level, locate BL-261.5 cun

in a lateral direction.

Located on the same level are ➞Ex-B-8(on the midline) and a

point of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lateral to the midline).

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun

Actions/Indications

● Strengthens the back, especially for Kidney deficiency

syndromes

● Regulates the Lower Burner

BL-26 Gate of Origin Shu GUANYUANSHU

Ex-B-8

Level of

the iliac

crests

Spinous process L4

Spinous process L5

Ex-B-2

(parts)

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

Lumbosacral

junction

Sacrum

PSIS

Tuffier‘s line Iliac crest

L4

L5

1.5

cun

BL-26

Midline

Level of the

iliac crests

Spinous process L3

Spinous process L4

Spinous process L5

23

25

4

3

54

Ex-B-6

(^523)
4
5
2
36
30
1
Bladder channel,
lateral branch
Bladder channel,
medial branch
Du mai
Ex-B-8
Ex-B-5 Ex-B-5
Ex-B-7
Ex-B-11
Sacrum
Ilium
Iliosacral joints
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