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 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

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 4 spinous processes

to the lower border of the spinous process of T11 and locate

BL-493 cun lateral to this point. Or:From the articulation of

the most inferior rib, palpate in a superior direction to T11.

Or:Use the lumbar spine for reference (➞3.4.3).

Located on the same level are ➞Du-6(on the midline), a point

of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lateral to the midline) and ➞BL-20(1.5

cun lateral to the midline).

Needling

Obliquely 0.3–0.8 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications

● Clears Damp-Heat

● Harmonises the Spleen and the Stomach

BL-49 Abode of Thought YISHE

Spinous process C7

Spinous process T3

Spinous process T7

Spinous process T11

Spinous process T12

Midline

Base of the

scapular spine

Inferior

angle

3 cun

Bladder channel,

lateral branch

Medial borderof the scapula

BL-49

17

18

20

23

25

8

6

4

Ex B-6^3

52

49

47

46

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

9

Ex B 8

Ex B-4

Ex B-5 Ex B-5

Ex B-7

Ex B-3

Spinous process T11 Du-6

Spinous process T12

Bladder channel

BL-20

Spinous process T11

Spinous process T12

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

Ex-B-2

(parts)

Ch04.7b-F10028.qxd 2/22/08 5:00 PM Page 296