Bladder Meridian
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BL-16
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Back — Upper (Thoracic)
Location
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).
Main Actions
- Invigorate Heart Blood and Heart Qi
Indications
Commentary
Dushu BL-16 is mostly applied to move Qi and invigorate Blood in the Heart. It resolves Stagnation so as to ease pain as well as distension around the chest, epigastrium and abdomen area.
Classical Sources
The name Dushu (督俞) translates as "Governing Shu" or "Governor Shu," indicating this point's relationship with the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). The character 督 (dū) means "to govern" or "to supervise," while 俞 (shù) refers to a transporting point where qi infuses.
Classical texts describe this point as the place where the qi of the Governing Vessel infuses into the back. While not emphasized as strongly as other Back-Shu points in early classical literature, Dushu has been recognized for its ability to regulate qi in the chest and abdomen.
Modern clinical applications have expanded its use to include treatment of skin disorders such as psoriasis and alopecia, reflecting its influence on blood circulation and the exterior of the body.
How to Locate
First locate the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), which is still palpable when the neck is being flexed and extended, while the 6th cervical vertebra (C6) starts to slide anteriorly and gradually disappears. The spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6) is six spinous process below C7. Or locate the spinous process of T7 first, which is level with the inferior angle of the scapula, when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down. T6 is one thoracic vertebra above. Dushu BL-16 is 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of T6. Yixi BL-45 is at the same level but 3 cun lateral to T6. Points located between Fufen BL-41 and Zhibian BL-54 are in the lateral branch of the Bladder Channel, while these between Fengmen BL-12 and Baihuanshu BL-30 are in the medial branch.
Caution
Risk of pneumothorax with improper needling technique. Perpendicular needling is contraindicated due to proximity to the pleural cavity. Always use oblique insertion directed toward the spine, or transverse insertion parallel to the back. Avoid needling away from the spine. Patients should be positioned prone or seated with arms relaxed to allow accurate point location and safe needle angle.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely towards the spine. Or 1 to 1.5 cun transversely towards the spine. This method applied more often as it allows the patients to lie in a supine position easily during needling retention. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension spreading across the upper back and paraspinal region. Sensation may radiate toward the spine or around the thoracic area. Deqi typically manifests as a dull ache in the intercostal region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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