Bladder meridian
BL-18 (Gānshù, 肝俞) — Liver Shu
- Meridian
- Bladder (BL)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Back-shu point of the Liver.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-0.7 cun oblique toward the spine; safe depth varies with side, body size, and individual thoracoabdominal anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Applicable as non-scarring moxa
- Reference aliases
- BL18; Ganshu; 肝俞; Liver Shu
Anatomical location
On the back, level with the lower edge of the T9 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally spreads Liver qi, nourishes Liver blood, and benefits the eyes and sinews.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include rib-side discomfort, eye disorders, dizziness, menstrual irregularity, and tendon tightness.
Secondary: Secondary uses include irritability, seizure patterns, and 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.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) BL18, p. 108
- Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 18 English name, classification, indications, functions and oblique needling
- TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 18: back-shu role, indications, method, moxibustion, innervation and vasculature
- An Exploration of the Needling Depth in Acupuncture Table 1 and section 3.1.1, BL18 side and body-size findings
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, chest, back and abdomen
Frequently asked questions
Where is BL-18 located?
On the back, level with the lower edge of the T9 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-18?
Traditionally spreads Liver qi, nourishes Liver blood, and benefits the eyes and sinews. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include rib-side discomfort, eye disorders, dizziness, menstrual irregularity, and tendon tightness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include irritability, seizure patterns, and back pain.
Is BL-18 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify BL-18 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.