BL-13 - Lung Shu

肺俞 - Fèi shū

Point Region: Upper back

BL

Bladder Meridian

足太阳膀胱经 - Zú Tàiyáng Pángguāng Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3), 1.5 cun out from the midline.

Distances are in cun, a unit that scales with each person's body. As a guide, the width of your thumb at its joint is 1 cun, and your four fingers held together, measured across the middle joints, are 3 cun.

How to Locate:

  1. Find T3, the spinal bump on the line joining the inner ends of the bony ridges of the shoulder blades (standing, arms by your sides)
  2. Go to the level just below the bump of T3
  3. The point is two finger-widths out from the midline (halfway between the spine and the inner edge of the shoulder blade)
BL-13 (Lung Shu) acupressure point location: On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3), 1.5 cun out from the midline.

How to Apply Pressure

Using a fingertip, apply gentle, steady pressure in the groove just below the bump of the third thoracic spinal bone (the bump level with the inner ends of the bony ridges of your shoulder blades), two finger-widths out from the midline. Firm but never painful pressure is enough; stop if it hurts. Do not use this point after a recent chest or rib injury. If you cannot reach the spot comfortably, skip it rather than strain, and skip this point over irritated or broken skin.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Cough
  • Nasal congestion
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Lumbar stiffness
  • Respiratory disorders

Related Health Concerns

AllergiesCold and Flu OnsetAcneHiccup

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Recent chest or rib injury