Bladder meridian
BL-17 (Géshù, 膈俞) — Diaphragm Shu
- Meridian
- Bladder (BL)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Hui-meeting point of Blood.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-0.7 cun oblique toward the spine; safe depth varies with sex, angle, side, and individual thoracic anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Applicable as non-scarring moxa
- Reference aliases
- BL17; Geshu; 膈俞; Diaphragm Shu
Anatomical location
On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T7 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally moves and nourishes blood, harmonizes the diaphragm, and descends rebellious qi.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include blood-deficiency or stasis patterns, hiccup, vomiting, and chest or rib-side pain.
Secondary: Secondary uses include night sweating, itching, and thoracic stiffness.
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.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) BL17, p. 108
- Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 17 English name, classification, indications, functions and oblique needling
- TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 17: special-point role, indications, method, moxibustion, innervation and vasculature
- An Exploration of the Needling Depth in Acupuncture Table 1 and section 3.1.1, BL17
- 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-17 located?
On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T7 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-17?
Traditionally moves and nourishes blood, harmonizes the diaphragm, and descends rebellious qi. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include blood-deficiency or stasis patterns, hiccup, vomiting, and chest or rib-side pain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include night sweating, itching, and thoracic stiffness.
Is BL-17 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify BL-17 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.