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 1st lumbar vertebra (L1).

How to find

For orientation in the lumbar region (➞3.4.3), first, the Tuffier’s

line: place both hands superior or lateral to the highest points of

the iliac crest, joining the thumbs in the middle above the spine.

In most cases, this line intersects with the spinous process of L4

(note: this varies depending on the patient’s position ➞3.4.).

From there, count upward to the lower border of the spinous

process of L1 and, on this level, locate BL-513 cun in a lateral

direction. Or:With the patient seated and their arms hanging

down in a relaxed way, the spinous process of T7 is generally on

the level of the inferior angle of the scapula (➞3.4.2). From

there, count down six spinous processes and locate BL-513 cun

lateral to the spinous process of L1.

Located on the same level are ➞Du-5(on the midline), a point

of ➞Ex-B-2(0.5 cun lateral to the midline), ➞BL-22(1.5 cun

lateral to the midline) and ➞Ex-B-4(➞3.5 cun lateral to the

midline).

Needling

Vertically or obliquely 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Kidneys.

Actions/Indications

● Moves the Qi and resolves stagnation

● Benefits the breasts

Special features

Distal point for disorders of the breasts

BL-51 Vitals Gate HUANGMEN

Spinous process L1 Ex-B-4

Spinous process L1

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

Ex-B-2

(parts)

3 cun

Level of the

iliac crests

Spinous process L1 BL-51

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

Spinous process L4

Spinous process L5

Medial borderof the scapula

17

18

20

23

25

8

6

4

3

Ex-B-6

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 L1 Du-5

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L3

Spinous process L1 BL-22

Spinous process L2

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