Atlas of Acupuncture

6.3 Extra Points: Back (EX-B)

Location

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the

8th thoracic vertebra (T8).

How to find

Locate T7 (➞3.4.2). From there, count down one spinous

process (to T8) and locate Ex-B-31.5 cun lateral from the mid-

line. Use the Tuffier’s line (L4, 3.4.3) to confirm the location of

this point: from L4, count up the spinous processes of L3 to L1

and of T12 to T8.

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

eral to the midline).

Needling

0.5–1 cun vertically or up to 1.5 cun obliquely in a medial direc-

tion. Do not needle in a lateral direction. Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications

● Opens the channel locally

● Moistens the body and clears Heat

Stomach Controller Lower Shu WEIWANXIASHU Ex-B-3

Ex-B-3

1.5

cun

1.5

cun

Medial borderof the scapula

Bl channel,

medial branch

Spinous process C7

Midline

Spinous process T3

Spinous process T7

Spinous process T8

Spinous process T12

Medial base of

scapular spine

Inferior

angle

15

17

18

20

23

25

14

12

8

6

4

3

54

Ex-B-6

52

49

47

46

44

42

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

S.I.-12

S.I.-10

2

11 13

13

30

11

9

Ex-B-8

S.I.-15

Ex-B-4

Ex-B-5 Ex-B-5

Ex-B-7

Ex-B-3

Ex-B-11

Spinous process L3

Spinous process L2

Spinous process L1

Ex-B-2

(parts)

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