Bladder Meridian
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BL-41
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Back — Upper (Thoracic), Shoulder
Location
3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel and eases pain
- Expels Wind-Cold
Indications
Commentary
Fufen BL-41 is not a major point of the Bladder Channel.
Its main action is to remove Obstructions from the Channel and expel Wind-Cold.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists BL-41 Fufen for treating stiffness and pain of the shoulder, back, and neck.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Indicates the point for wind-cold lodged in the interstices, neck rigidity, pain of the back radiating to the head, and numbness of the elbow and arm.
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. Fufen BL-41 is 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T2. Fengmen BL-12 is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to 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
This point lies over the thoracic cavity with risk of pneumothorax. Never needle perpendicular or deeply. Always use oblique insertion directed laterally, away from the spine. The depth should not exceed 0.5 cun. Practitioners should be mindful that the pleura is relatively superficial in this area, especially in thin patients.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and aching sensation in the upper back and scapular region. The sensation may radiate toward the shoulder, neck, or down the arm along the Bladder channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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