Bladder 42 (BL 42) Po Hu — Door of the Corporeal Soul

This point, level with the Lung Shu, benefits the Lung, descends rebellious qi and supports the corporeal soul (po).

Bladder 42 (BL 42) Po Hu 魄戶 — Door of the Corporeal Soul

Location

On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3), level with BL-13.

Anatomy

On the trapezius and rhomboid; the posterior intercostal artery; the dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves.

Actions & Functions

  • Benefits the Lung and descends rebellious qi
  • Supports the corporeal soul (po) and eases grief

Indications

Cough and asthma, fullness of the chest, and stiffness of the shoulder and back.

Needling

0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-13 for Lung disorders and grief.

Classical Text References

The outer Back-Shu of the Lung, associated with the po (corporeal soul).

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.

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.