4.7 The Bladder Channel System – Foot taiyang(zu tai yang jing luo)Location
1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, on the level of the lower
border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).How to find
First, locate the spinous process of C7 (➞3.4.1). From there,
count down three spinous processes to the lower border of the
spinous process of the T3. Measure 1.5 cun laterally to locate
BL-13on the highest point of the paraspinal musculature. Or:
With the patient seated and their arms hanging down, the spin-
ous process of the T3 is generally on the level of the medial end
of the scapular spine (➞3.4.2). Locate BL-131.5 cun lateral to
the midline.
Located on the same level are ➞Du-12(on the midline),
a point of ➞Ex-B-2 (0.5 cun lateral to the midline) and BL-42
(3 cun lateral to the midline).Needling
0.5–1 cun obliquely towards the spine. In clinical practice, this
point is often needled transversely (subcutaneously) towards the
spine. This allows the patient to lie in a supine position during
needle retention (the needles can be secured with tape). Caution:
Pneumothorax. For chronic Lung Qi deficiency without Heat
signs, use moxibustion.Actions/Indications
● Tonifies, spreads and descends the Lung Qi, nourishes the
Lung Yin
● Clears Heat from the Lung
● Releases the Exterior
● Opens the channel, alleviates painSpecial features
Back-shupoint of the lung. Major point for all disorders of the
Lung (Lung deficiency and excess patterns).LungShu FEISHU BL-13
Midline1.5
cun1.5
cunBL-13Spinous process C7Spinous process T3Spinous process T7Spinous process T12Base of the
scapular spineInferior
angleBladder channel,
lateral branch
Bladder channel,
medial branchMedial borderof the scapulaBL-13Lower border of
the spinous process
(BSP) of T3Du-14Extension and
flexion of the headS.I.-15G.B.-212 fingers on the
spinous processes
of C6 and 7Spinous process C7Spinous process T3
Du-12Spinous process C7Spinous process T3 BL-42MedialscapulaScapular spineCh04.7a-F10028.qxd 2/23/08 3:54 PM Page 263