Bladder meridian
BL-43 (Gāohuāng, 膏肓) — Vitals
- Meridian
- Bladder (BL)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Outer branch point traditionally associated with deep constitutional deficiency.
- Depth reference
- 0.3-0.5 cun oblique; individual thoracic anatomy determines the safe limit
- Moxibustion
- Applicable as non-scarring moxa; this point is traditionally associated with moxa
- Reference aliases
- BL43; Gaohuang; 膏肓; Vitals
Anatomical location
On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T4 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally nourishes deficiency, supports Lung and Kidney qi, and calms the spirit.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include chronic cough, breathlessness, night sweating, fatigue, and poor appetite in deficiency patterns.
Secondary: Secondary uses include poor memory, seminal emission, and shoulder-blade 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) BL43, p. 121
- Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 43 English name, traditional uses, functions, needling and moxa note
- TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 43: indications, method, moxibustion, thoracic innervation and vasculature
- 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-43 located?
On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T4 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-43?
Traditionally nourishes deficiency, supports Lung and Kidney qi, and calms the spirit. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include chronic cough, breathlessness, night sweating, fatigue, and poor appetite in deficiency patterns. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include poor memory, seminal emission, and shoulder-blade pain.
Is BL-43 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify BL-43 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.