Bladder meridian

BL-44 (Shéntáng, 神堂) — Spirit Hall

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Outer Bladder-channel point aligned with the Heart back-shu level.
Depth reference
0.3-0.5 cun oblique; individual thoracic anatomy determines the safe limit
Moxibustion
Applicable as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL44; Shentang; 神堂; Spirit Hall

Anatomical location

On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T5 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.

Traditional actions

Traditionally regulates the Heart, calms the spirit, and opens the chest.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, chest tightness, and upper-back pain.

Secondary: Secondary uses include cough and shortness of breath.

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) BL44, p. 121
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 44 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 44: indications, method, moxibustion, thoracic 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-44 located?

On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T5 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-44?

Traditionally regulates the Heart, calms the spirit, and opens the chest. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, chest tightness, and upper-back pain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include cough and shortness of breath.

Is BL-44 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-44 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.