Bladder Meridian
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BL-17
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 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 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Cools Blood Heat and stops bleeding
- Harmonizes Qi in diaphragm and descends Rebellious Stomach Qi
- Nourishes Blood and tonifies Qi
Indications
Commentary
Geshu BL-17 is a major point with various functions, especially on Blood.
First of all, it invigorates Blood and removes Blood Stagnation of the whole body or of any specific Organs, In fact, it can be combined with other Back Transporting-Shu points to invigorate Blood of their relevant Organs. For example, when combined with Ganshu BL-18 or Xinshu BL-15, BL-17 is able to removes Blood Stagnation of the Liver or the Heart representatively.
Be aware that Geshu BL-17 is mostly effective on the upper part of the body, while Xuehai SP-10 is mainly on the lower part. These two points are often used together to invigorate Blood generally.
Secondly, it invigorates and regulates Qi as well, but mainly in the chest and diaphragm. Thus it eases pain, oppression and fullness in the area.
Thirdly, it subdues Stomach Rebellious Qi and treat symptoms such as hiccup, belching, nausea and vomiting.
Fourthly, related to its ability to subdues Rebellious Qi, BL-17 can also stop bleeding by cooling Blood as well. However, it is mostly effect on the bleeding upwards, such as nose blood, coughing or vomiting of blood.
All above functions needs to be performed with Reducing Needling method. No moxa is allowed for these types of Excess patterns.
On the other hand, Geshu BL-17 is also used for Empty patterns with direct moxibustion.
For example, it tonifies general Qi and Blood of the whole body when combined with Danshu BL-19 with direct moxibustion. The combination of these points is called the 'Four Flowers' as there are two points of each side.
Furthermore, BL-19 also nourishes Blood of some specific Organs when applying moxibustion with Back Transporting-Shu points. For example, when combined with Ganshu BL-18, Xinshu BL-15 or Pishu BL-20, BL-17 is able to nourish Blood of the Liver, Heart and Spleen representatively.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (靈樞 Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 'Bei Shu' (背腧): First records Geshu as a point on the back, establishing its location at the 7th thoracic vertebra level.
Nan Jing (難經 Classic of Difficulties), Chapter 45: Identifies Geshu (BL-17) as the Hui-Meeting Point of Blood (血會膈俞), stating that blood diseases should be treated at this point.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (針灸甲乙經 Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists indications including vomiting, hiccup, difficulty swallowing, chest fullness, hypochondriac pain, and spinal pain.
Wai Tai Mi Yao (外台秘要 Secrets of a Frontier Official, 752 CE): First mentions the Four Flowers combination for treating consumption disorders with moxibustion.
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 7th thoracic vertebra (T7) is seven spinous process below C7. Or directly locate the spinous process of T7, which is level with the inferior angle of the scapula, when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down. Geshu BL-17 is 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of T7. Geguan BL-46 is at the same level but 3 cun lateral to T7. 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 risk of pneumothorax if needled too deeply or perpendicular. Always needle obliquely toward the spine or transversely. Safe depth is approximately 1 cun (2.5 cm). Never needle perpendicular or oblique away from the spine. Cadaver studies suggest maximum safe depth of approximately 3 cm. Avoid deep needling in thin or emaciated patients.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 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.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading along the intercostal spaces. Sensation may radiate toward the spine or around the ribcage. Some patients may feel the sensation reach toward the epigastric region or chest.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes; cone moxa 3–7 cones
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
Organ & Tissue Associations
Hui-Gathering Point for:
Blood
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