Bladder 19 (BL 19) Dan Shu — Gall Bladder Shu

This is the Back-Shu point of the Gall Bladder. It resolves damp-heat, benefits the gall bladder and harmonises the Liver and Gall Bladder.

Bladder 19 (BL 19) Dan Shu 膽俞 — Gall Bladder Shu

Location

On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10).

Anatomy

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

Actions & Functions

  • Resolves damp-heat and benefits the gall bladder (Back-Shu of the Gall Bladder)
  • Harmonises the Liver and Gall Bladder

Indications

Jaundice, bitter taste in the mouth, hypochondriac pain, and gallstones and cholecystitis.

Needling

0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With GB-34 and GB-24 for gall bladder disorders and jaundice.

Classical Text References

The Back-Shu point of the Gall Bladder.

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 Identified as a Key Neuromuscular Intervention for Post-Stroke Swallowing Difficulties

Research summary (Acupuncture): Neuromuscular-related interventions for post-stroke dysphagia: a comprehensive narrative review. - Frontiers in neuroscience, 2026.