How to find
First, locate the spinous process of the C7. From there, count down six spinous processes to the lower border of the spinous process of T6. Measure 1.5 cun laterally to locate BL-16 on the highest point of the paraspinal musculature. Or: With the patient standing and their arms hanging down, the spinous process of T7 is level with the inferior angle of the scapula. The next spinous process in a superior direction belongs to T6. Locate BL-16 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. Located on the same level are GV 10 (Spirit Tower) (on the midline), a point of Ex-B-2 (0.5 cun lateral to the midline) and BL 45 (Cry of Pain) (3 cun lateral to the midline).
Location
1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, on the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).
Actions
- Unbinds the chest and regulates the Qi movement in the tho- rax and the abdomen
Features
Despite its designation as Back-shu point GV (Governing Vessel – Du Mai), this point is hardly mentioned in classical or modern texts.
