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 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

How to find

In a sitting position with the arms hanging down, the spinous

process of T7 is generally on the level of the inferior angle of the

scapula (➞3.4.2). From there, count down 2 processes to the

lower border of the spinous process of T9. BL-47is located 3 cun

lateral to this point. Or:Locate the spinous process of C7 (➞3.4.1).

From there, count down 9 processes to the lower border of the

spinous process of T9 and locate BL-473 cun lateral to it.

Located on the same level are ➞Du-8(on the midline), a point

of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lateral to the midline) and ➞BL-18

(1.5 cun lateral to the midline).

Needling

Obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications

● Spreads the Liver Qi

● Harmonises the Spleen and the Stomach

● Relaxes the tendons

BL-47 Gate of the Ethereal Soul HUNMEN

Du-8

Spinous process T9

Spinous process T10

Inferior

angle

BL-18

Spinous process T7

Spinous process T9

Ex-B-2

(parts)

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

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 T9

Spinous process T7

Spinous process T12

BL-47

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

S.I.-15 Du-14

G.B.-21

Extension and

flexion of the

head

2 fingers on the

spinous processes

of C6 and 7

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