Bladder 16 (BL 16) Du Shu — Governing Shu

This point, on the back, regulates the Heart, unbinds the chest and harmonises the diaphragm.

Bladder 16 (BL 16) Du Shu 督俞 — Governing Shu

Location

On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).

Anatomy

On the trapezius and latissimus dorsi, over the erector spinae; the posterior intercostal artery; the dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves.

Actions & Functions

  • Regulates the Heart and unbinds the chest
  • Harmonises the diaphragm and Stomach

Indications

Cardiac pain, oppression of the chest, hiccup, and abdominal pain.

Needling

0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-15 for cardiac disorders.

Classical Text References

A point of the Bladder channel on the back.

Cautions & Contraindications

Deep perpendicular insertion risks pneumothorax; needle obliquely.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.