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 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).

How to find

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

6 spinous processes to the lower border of the spinous process

of T6. Located on this level and 3 cun lateral to the midline is

BL-45. Or:With the patient seated and their shoulders in a relaxed

position, the spinous process of T7 is generally on the level of

the inferior angle of the scapula (➞3.4.2). Locate BL-45on the

level of the spinous process of T6, 3 cun lateral to the midline.

Located on the same level are ➞Du-10(on the midline), a point

of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lateral to the midline) and ➞BL-16

(1.5 cun lateral to the midline).

Needling

Obliquely 0.3–0.8 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications

● Expels pathogenic factors, especially Wind and Heat

● Descends the Lung Qi and unbinds the chest

● Strengthens the Qi and Blood and alleviates pain

BL-45 Cry of Pain YIXI

Spinous process C7

Midline

Base of the

scapular spine

Inferior

angle

3 cun

Bladder channel,

lateral branch

Medial borderof the scapula

Spinous process T3

Spinous process T7

Spinous process T6

Spinous process T12

BL-45

15

17

18

14

12

47 8

46

44

42

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10

S.I.-12

S.I.-10

11 13

13

11

9

S.I.-15

Ex B 3

Du-10

DFS BWK 6

Spinous process T7 Inferior

angle

Inferior

angle

BL-16

Spinous process T6

Spinous process T7

Ex-B-2

(parts)

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

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