Bladder Meridian
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BL-47
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)
Location
3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
Main Actions
- Resolves Liver Qi Stagnation and benefits the sinews
- Roots the Ethereal Soul
Indications
Fear
Insomnia
Depression
Resentment
Costal pain
Chest fullness
Excessive dreams
Sinew contracture
Hypochondriac pain
Feeling of aimlessness
Feelings of frustration
Commentary
Hunmen BL-47 is at the same level as Ganshu BL-18, which is the Back Tranporting-Shu point of the Liver. Therefore, it is able to treat some Liver related indications.
Most importantly, it regulates Liver Qi and removes Stagnation. Thus it is able to treat some emotional disorders such as long-term depression, frustration and resentment. Other typical manifestations include costal pain, hypochondrial pain and chest fullness. BL-47 also benefits sinews as the Liver controls them.
Furthermore, the Liver houses the Ethereal Soul (魂 Hun), thus Hunmen BL-47 serves as the controlling door of the 'entering and exiting' of the Ethereal Soul and Mind. When used together with Ganshu BL-18, it strongly enhances the capacity of planning and helps finding the sense of direction and purpose of life.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded this point, establishing its location at the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the midline.
Name Meaning: 'Hun' (魂) refers to the Ethereal Soul, one of the five spirits (Wu Shen) housed by the Liver. 'Men' (门) means 'gate' or 'door.' The name indicates this point serves as the gateway for the Liver's Yang-type spirit, allowing the warm Qi of the Liver to pass outward to the Bladder channel.
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 9th thoracic vertebra (T9) is nine spinous process below C7. Or first 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. T9 is two thoracic vertebra below. Hunmen BL-47 is 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T9. Ganshu BL-18 is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to T9. 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 if needled too deeply or at an incorrect angle. Always needle obliquely toward the lateral side at a shallow depth (0.3–0.5 cun). Avoid perpendicular or medially-directed deep insertion. Ensure proper patient positioning (prone or sitting with arms forward) to open the interscapular space.
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
Localized distension and soreness around the point, possibly radiating along the intercostal space toward the hypochondrium. Some patients may experience a sensation spreading toward the spine or laterally toward the ribs.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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