Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
This point, on the outer Bladder line, dispels wind and relieves stiffness and pain of the neck, shoulder and upper back.
Location
On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra (T2), level with BL-12.
Anatomy
On the trapezius and rhomboid; the posterior intercostal artery; the dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves.
Actions & Functions
- Dispels wind and relaxes the sinews
- Relieves stiffness of the neck, shoulder and upper back
Indications
Stiffness and pain of the neck, shoulder and upper back, and numbness of the elbow and arm.
Needling
0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion.
Point Combinations
With BL-12 and GB-20 for neck and shoulder stiffness.
Classical Text References
A meeting point with the Small Intestine channel; first point of the outer Bladder line.
Cautions & Contraindications
Deep 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.
