Bladder meridian
BL-47 (Húnmén, 魂门) — Door of the Ethereal Soul
- Meridian
- Bladder (BL)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Outer Bladder-channel point aligned with the Liver back-shu level.
- Depth reference
- 0.3-0.5 cun oblique; select direction and depth from individual lower-thoracic anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Applicable as non-scarring moxa
- Reference aliases
- BL47; Hunmen; 魂门; Door of the Ethereal Soul
Anatomical location
On the back, level with the lower edge of the T9 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally spreads Liver qi, settles the ethereal soul, and relaxes the sinews.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include rib-side pain, emotional constraint, disturbed sleep, tendon tightness, and back pain.
Secondary: Secondary uses include poor appetite and chest fullness.
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) BL47, p. 123
- Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 47 English name, indications, functions and needling
- TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 47: indications, method, moxibustion, thoracic innervation and vasculature
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, chest, back and abdomen
Frequently asked questions
Where is BL-47 located?
On the back, level with the lower edge of the T9 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-47?
Traditionally spreads Liver qi, settles the ethereal soul, and relaxes the sinews. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include rib-side pain, emotional constraint, disturbed sleep, tendon tightness, and back pain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include poor appetite and chest fullness.
Is BL-47 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify BL-47 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.