Acupuncture Times Read the latest acupuncture research articles about acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping therapy and moxibustion.
Related Articles
Fufen (BL-41), “Attached Branch”, 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.