Bladder meridian

BL-15 (Xīnshù, 心俞) — Heart Shu

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Back-shu point of the Heart.
Depth reference
0.5-0.7 cun oblique; individual thoracic anatomy and body build determine the safe limit
Moxibustion
Applicable as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL15; Xinshu; 心俞; Heart Shu

Anatomical location

On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T5 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.

Traditional actions

Traditionally nourishes and regulates the Heart and settles the spirit.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, chest discomfort, and agitation.

Secondary: Secondary uses include night sweating, dream-disturbed sleep, and upper-back pain.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) BL15, p. 107
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 15 English name, classification, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 15: back-shu role, indications, method, moxibustion, innervation and vasculature
  4. WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, chest and back; lung and pleura

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-15 located?

On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T5 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-15?

Traditionally nourishes and regulates the Heart and settles the spirit. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, chest discomfort, and agitation. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include night sweating, dream-disturbed sleep, and upper-back pain.

Is BL-15 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-15 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.