Acupuncture
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EX-HN-15
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Neck — Posterior
Location
2 cun above the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) and 1 cun lateral to the midline.
Main Actions
- Transforms Phlegm and expels Wind-Damp
- Stops coughing
Indications
Commentary
Bailao EX-HN-15 is main function is to expel Wind-Damp and transform Phlegm, especially on the neck. Thus it is able to treat symptoms such as scrofula and nodules.
It also helps to open the Channel, so as to stop coughing and dyspnoea.
Its name 'Hundred Taxations' is also an alternative name for Dazhui DU-14. Both points are able to treat steaming bone disorder.
Classical Sources
《针灸资生经》(Zhēnjiǔ Zīshēng Jīng - Classic of Nourishing Life with Acupuncture and Moxibustion), Song Dynasty:
This text contains the earliest known reference to the Bailao point, though without precise location details.
《针灸集成》(Zhēnjiǔ Jíchéng - Compilation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), Qing Dynasty:
"百劳，在大椎向发际二寸点记，将其二寸中摺墨记，横布于先点上，左右两端尽处是。主治瘰疬，灸七壮，神效。"
(Bailao is located by marking 2 cun above Dazhui toward the hairline, then folding that measurement and placing it horizontally—the endpoints on left and right are the points. Main treatment: scrofula. Moxibustion with 7 cones produces miraculous effects.)
《针灸孔穴及其疗法便览》(Zhēnjiǔ Kǒngxué jí qí Liáofǎ Biànlǎn - Handbook of Acupuncture Points and Treatments):
"百劳，奇穴。大椎穴上二寸、外开一寸处，针三至五分，灸三至七壮。主治结核，瘰疬；亦治项肌痉挛或扭伤回顾不能。"
(Bailao, an extra point. Located 2 cun above Dazhui and 1 cun lateral. Needle 0.3–0.5 cun, moxa 3–7 cones. Treats tuberculosis and scrofula; also treats neck muscle spasm or sprains with inability to turn the head.)
How to Locate
Firstly locate C6 by running the finger down the neck along the midline as it is the first palpable cervical vertebral spinous process. It becomes impalpable when the patients extend their neck. C7 is below C6 and it is still palpable despite that the neck is extended. Dazhui DU-14 is right below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7). Bailao EX-HN-15 is 2 cun superior and 1 cun lateral to DU-14.
Caution
This point lies in the upper posterior neck region with significant neurovascular structures nearby. While not classified as a dangerous point, practitioners should be aware of the occipital and vertebral arteries and veins in the area, as well as branches of the greater and lesser occipital nerves. Avoid excessively deep or angled needling that could affect these structures. The point is located within the trapezius and splenius capitis muscles, so proper angle and depth control is important.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–0.8 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the needling site, with possible radiation toward the neck, shoulder, and down the arm. Some patients may experience a mild sensation extending toward the head. In sensitive patients, a feeling of distension in the eyes may occur when strong stimulation is applied.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes; 3–7 cones for direct moxa
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
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