Hunmen BL-47
Chinese: 魂门
Pinyin: Hún Mén
Location
3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
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.
Main actions
- Resolves Liver Qi Stagnation and benefits the sinews
- Roots the Ethereal Soul
Needling
Obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.
Caution: Pneumothorax
Commentary for Hunmen BL-47
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.