Bladder Meridian
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BL-15
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 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Fear
Anxiety
Weeping
Insomnia
Depression
Heart pain
Chest pain
Poor memory
Palpitations
Disorientation
Chest fullness
Excessive dreams
Mental confusion
Poor concentration
Delayed speech development
Commentary
As the Heart Back Transporting point, Xinshu BL-15 is a major point, used for various Heart patterns.
First of all, it calms the Mind by eliminating Heart Fire or Heart Empty Heat. Thus it treats symptoms such as anxiety, weeping, fright, insomnia, excessive dreaming and manic depression. Reducing Needling method should be applied for this type of Excess case.
Secondly, the point invigorates the Qi and Blood, so that it eases pain and fullness in the chest caused by Blood Stagnation.
On the other hand, Xinshu BL-15 is also able to nourish the Heart with Tonifying Needling method or direct moxibustion. Thus it treats symptoms such as poor memory and concentration, disorientation, mental confusion, depression as well as delayed speech development in children due to Heart Yin Deficiency. It stimulates the Brain and, at the same time, calms the Mind.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First classical text to formally document this point, establishing it as the Back-Shu point of the Heart on the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel.
Lingshu (灵枢 - Spiritual Pivot), Chapter on Back Transporting Points: Describes the location of the Heart's Back-Shu point, establishing the method for locating back transporting points based on measurements from the nipples.
Leijing Tuyi (类经图翼 - Illustrated Appendices to the Classic of Categories): States that Xinshu BL-15 is indicated for clearing heat of the five Zang organs when combined with the other Back-Shu points, reflecting the Heart's role as sovereign fire governing heat of the whole body.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records indications including: "Heart Qi disorder, confusion and disorientation, madness with running about, and epilepsy."
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) first, which is generally on the level of the medial end of the scapular spine, when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down. Count two spinous process down and locate T5. Xinshu BL-15 is 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of T5. Shentang BL-44 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
Located over the thoracic cavity with risk of pneumothorax if needled too deeply or at incorrect angles. Always needle obliquely toward the spine or transversely—never perpendicular or obliquely away from the spine. Limit depth to 0.5–0.8 cun. Use extra caution in thin patients where the intercostal spaces may be shallow.
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
Deqi typically manifests as a localized aching, distending sensation that may radiate across the upper back or toward the spine. Some patients may experience a warm sensation spreading through the chest region. The sensation should be mild to moderate—avoid overstimulation in this area due to proximity to the pleura.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Organ & Tissue Associations
Back-Shu Point for:
Heart
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