Bladder 17 (BL 17) Ge Shu — Diaphragm Shu

This is the Influential (Hui-meeting) point of the blood. It nourishes and invigorates the blood, harmonises the diaphragm and stops bleeding.

Bladder 17 (BL 17) Ge Shu 膈俞 — Diaphragm Shu

Location

On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), at the level of the inferior angles of the scapulae.

Anatomy

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

Actions & Functions

  • Nourishes and invigorates the blood (Influential point of the blood)
  • Stops bleeding and cools blood heat
  • Harmonises the diaphragm and descends rebellious qi (hiccup, vomiting)

Indications

Blood deficiency and anaemia, bleeding disorders, blood stasis, hiccup and vomiting, night sweats, and chronic skin disorders.

Needling

0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-20 to tonify blood; with SP-10 to invigorate and cool the blood.

Classical Text References

The Influential point of the blood.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Nutritional Status in Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in improving nutritional status among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis of - Frontiers in nutrition, 2026.