Atlas of Acupuncture

3 Anatomical Orientation

3.4.2 The Thoracic Spine

A slightly kyphotic position can help with palpation and point

location on the thoracic spine. Approximately from the midpoint

of the thoracic spine downward, palpation can become difficult

if the patient is seated or standing, so that a prone position is rec-

ommended here. Placing a pillow under the patient’s abdomen

can further help to widen the spaces between the spinous

processes for better palpation, especially in patients with hyper-

lordosis of the lumbar spine.

Thoracic vertebrae (
Figs 3.69, 3.70)

After identification of C6 and C7 (
Lower cervical spine), the

thoracic vertebrae can be counted from there, beginning with T1

(
Points on the BL channel and the du maiat the level of

the thoracic spine).

The scapula is also a helpful reference point for orientation on

the thoracic spine. The patient should be seated or standing with

his/her arms loosely hanging down.

 The medial aspect of the scapular spine is approximately

level with the spinous process of T3.

 The inferior angle of the scapula is approximately level

with T7.

Lower thoracic spine

The vertebrae of the lower thoracic spine are best located from

the lumbar spine (
 Lumbar spine).

12th rib (
Figs 3.69, 3.70)

The 12th rib marks the lower border of the posterior aspect of

the thorax. By palpating its course from a medial in a lateral

direction, its free end will be reached on the lateral aspect of the

back, where 
G.B.-25is located.

G.B.-25

Spinous

process C7

Midline

Spinous

process T3

Spinous

process T7

BL-50

1.5cun

Medial base of

scapular spine

Inferior

angle

BL-21

Spinous

process T12

1.5cun

BL channel,

lateral branch

BL channel,

medial branch

Clavicle

Acromion

Spine

Medial

border

Scapula

11th rib

12th rib

L1

C6

T1

1st rib

2nd rib

T12

Fig. 3.69

Fig. 3.70