BL-17 - Diaphragm Shu

膈俞 - Gé 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 seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), 1.5 cun out from the midline. The lower tips of the shoulder blades are level with T7.

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 T7, the spinal bump level with the lower tips of the shoulder blades (standing, arms by your sides)
  2. Go to the level just below the bump of T7
  3. The point is two finger-widths out from the midline (halfway between the spine and the inner edge of the shoulder blade)
BL-17 (Diaphragm Shu) acupressure point location: On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), 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 seventh thoracic spinal bone (the bump level with the lower tips of your shoulder blades), two finger-widths out from the midline. Firm but never painful pressure is enough; stop if it hurts. If you have a bleeding or clotting disorder, check with your doctor before pressing this point. 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:

  • Coughing blood
  • Hiccups
  • Vomiting
  • Cough
  • Night sweats
  • Fever
  • Blood disorders

Related Health Concerns

Hair LossHiccupNausea and VomitingCold and Flu OnsetHot Flashes

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Caution in bleeding disorders