Bladder Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
BL-44
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 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).
Main Actions
- Clears Heart Fire
- Regulates Qi in the chest
- Removes the Obstruction from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Shentang BL-44 is on the outer branch of the Bladder Channel, at the same level there is Xinshu BL-15 which is the Back Transporting-Shu point of the Heart. It is able to clear Heart Fire, so as to calm the Mind and ease some emotional problems such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, worry and etc.
It also opens the Chest by regulating Qi and subduing Rebellious Qi. Typical symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest distension or breathlessness.
Finally, it removes obstruction from the Channel and eases pain and stiffness around the back, shoulder and chest area.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》(Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented this point, establishing its location at 3 cun lateral to the spine at the level of the 5th thoracic vertebra.
《针灸学》(Acupuncture Studies): "主治咳嗽，气喘，胸闷，脊背强病" (Indications: cough, asthma, chest oppression, stiffness and pain of the spine and back). Combined with Danzhong (REN-17) to treat chest oppression.
Point Name Meaning: "神" (Shén) means spirit or mind, referring to the Heart's spirit. "堂" (Táng) means hall, the front part of an ancient palace (yang aspect). The name indicates that the Heart's yang qi is transmitted outward through this point to the Bladder channel, making it important for treating the psychological and spiritual aspects of the Heart.
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 5th thoracic vertebra (T5) is five spinous process below C7. Or locate the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3), which is generally on the level of the medial end of the scapular spine, when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down. Shentang BL-44 is 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T5. Xinshu BL-15 is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to T5. 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 deep or perpendicular needling. Always needle obliquely toward the lateral direction, staying superficial (0.3-0.5 cun maximum). Located on the outer Bladder channel line at 3 cun from the midline, directly over the thoracic cavity. Exercise particular caution in thin patients or those with pulmonary conditions. Ensure the patient is positioned properly (prone or seated leaning forward) to allow the scapula to move laterally and provide some protection.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Obliquely 0.3–0.8 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading across the upper back region. The sensation may radiate toward the scapula or along the intercostal space. Some patients may experience a sense of chest relaxation or emotional calm as the Qi arrives.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians