Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

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

border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).

How to find

After locating the spinous process of C7 (➞3.4.1), count down

4 spinous processes to the lower border of the spinous process of

T4. Located on this level and 3 cun lateral to the midline is

BL-43. Or:Locate BL-43by using the spinous process of T3

(generally, on the level of the easily palpable medial end of the

scapular spine, 3.4.2) as a reference point.

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

eral to the midline) and ➞BL-14(1.5 cun lateral to the midline).

Needling

Obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun. Moxibustion is often used on this point.

Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications

● Tonifies and nourishes the five zang-Organs: Lung, Heart,

Kidneys, Stomach and Spleen

● Nourishes Yin, clears Heat

● Calms the shen

● Strengthens the Original Qi (yuan qi)

● Eliminates Phlegm

Special features

Important point for deficiency syndromes (classic indication)

BL-43 Vital Region Shu GAOHUANG

Spinous process C7

Midline

Base of the

scapular spine

Inferior

angle

3 cun

Bladder channel,

lateral branch

Medial borderof the scapula

Spinous process T4

Spinous process T3

Spinous process T7

Spinous process T12

BL-43

15

17

18

14

12

47 8

46

44

42

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10

11

S.I.-12

S.I.-10

11 13

13

11

9

S.I.-15

Ex B-3

BL-14

Spinous process T3

Spinous process T4

Ex-B-2

(parts)

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

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