Bladder Meridian
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BL-12
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 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).
Main Actions
- Expels Exterior Wind
- Strengthens the Defensive Qi
- Descends Lung Qi
- Benefits the nose
Indications
Commentary
Fengmen BL-12 is a very important and effective point in expelling Exterior Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat when the Pernicious Factors start to attack the body. With the Reducing Needling method, it is able to treat various common cold symptoms such as blocked nose, sneezing, aversion to cold, fever, body aches and headache.
It can also be used with Tonifying Needling method or cupping to strengthen the Defensive Qi in the space between the skin and muscles, so as to fight off the Exterior Wind. Therefore, the patient is less likely to catch colds.
Furthermore, it stimulates the diffusing and descending of Lung Qi. This function helps to expel Wind and benefits the nose. Typical manifestation is chronic allergic rhinitis with sneezing and profuse clear watery nasal discharge. In this case, it is often used together with other Qi tonifying points such as Feishu BL-13, Zusanli ST-36 and Qihai REN-6.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经, Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Wind dizziness with headache, blocked nose, frequent sneezing, clear nasal discharge flowing spontaneously - Fengmen governs these."
Huiyuan Zhenjiu Xue (会元针灸学): "Fengmen is the gate through which Wind enters and exits." The point is named Wind Gate because it is considered the doorway through which pathogenic Wind invades the body, and thus is excellent for treating Wind disorders.
Ling Shu (灵枢), Chapter 12: "The foot Taiyang is to be pierced 5 fen deep and remain inserted for seven exhalations."
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing: "It is needled to a depth of five fen, the needle is retained for a duration of five exhalations, and it is moxaed with five cones."
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 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2) is two spinous process below C7. Fengmen BL-12 is 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of T2. while Fufen BL-41 is at the same level but 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T2. 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
Located over the thoracic cavity with pleura and lungs beneath. Perpendicular deep needling or incorrect needle direction carries substantial risk of pneumothorax. Always needle obliquely toward the spine or transversely along the skin. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion. In thin patients, use extra caution as the distance to the pleura is reduced. The safe depth varies with body type - needle more superficially in thin individuals.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
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 distension and soreness spreading across the upper back. Sensation may radiate toward the spine or laterally across the scapular region. With proper technique, patients often feel warmth spreading through the upper back area.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes; 3–7 moxa cones for direct moxibustion
Cupping
Particularly Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Particularly Recommended
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