Bladder meridian
BL-46 (Géguān, 膈关) — Diaphragm Pass
- Meridian
- Bladder (BL)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Outer Bladder-channel point aligned with the diaphragm-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
- BL46; Geguan; 膈关; Diaphragm Pass
Anatomical location
On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T7 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally relaxes the diaphragm, descends rebellious qi, and moves blood in the chest.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include hiccup, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, chest or rib-side pain, and back stiffness.
Secondary: Secondary uses include poor appetite and cough.
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) BL46, p. 122
- Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 46 English name, indications, functions and needling
- TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 46: 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-46 located?
On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the T7 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-46?
Traditionally relaxes the diaphragm, descends rebellious qi, and moves blood in the chest. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include hiccup, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, chest or rib-side pain, and back stiffness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include poor appetite and cough.
Is BL-46 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify BL-46 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.