Bladder 47 (BL 47) Hun Men — Gate of the Ethereal Soul

This point, level with the Liver Shu, spreads Liver qi, benefits the Liver and supports the ethereal soul (hun).

Bladder 47 (BL 47) Hun Men 魂門 — Gate of the Ethereal Soul

Location

On the back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9), level with BL-18.

Anatomy

On the latissimus dorsi; the posterior intercostal artery; the dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves.

Actions & Functions

  • Spreads Liver qi and harmonises the middle burner
  • Supports the ethereal soul (hun) and benefits the emotions

Indications

Hypochondriac pain and fullness of the chest, vomiting and diarrhoea, depression, and stiffness of the back.

Needling

0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-18 and LV-3 for Liver disorders and emotional distress.

Classical Text References

The outer Back-Shu of the Liver, associated with the hun (ethereal soul).

Cautions & Contraindications

Deep insertion risks injury to underlying organs; 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.