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Yixi (BL-45), on the back, unbinds the chest, descends rebellious qi and benefits the diaphragm.
Location
On the back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6), level with BL-16.
Anatomy
On the trapezius and latissimus dorsi; the posterior intercostal artery; the dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves.
Actions & Functions
- Unbinds the chest and descends rebellious qi
- Benefits the diaphragm and clears heat
Indications
Cough and asthma, fullness of the chest, malaria, and shoulder and back pain.
Needling
0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion.
Point Combinations
With BL-17 for diaphragm disorders.
Classical Text References
A 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.