Pohu BL-42
Chinese: 魄户
Pinyin: Pò Hù
Location
3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).
How to locate
First locate the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), which is still palpable when the neck is being flexed and extended, while the 6th cervical vertebra (C6) starts to slide anteriorly and gradually disappears. The spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3) is three spinous process below C7.
Or directly locate the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3), which is generally on the level of the medial end of the scapular spine, when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down.
Pohu BL-42 is 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T3. Feishu BL-13 is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to T3.
Points located between Fufen BL-41 and Zhibian BL-54 are in the lateral branch of the Bladder Channel, while these between Fengmen BL-12 and Baihuanshu BL-30 are in the medial branch.
Main actions
- Benefits the Corporeal Soul (Po)
- Tonifies the Lung Qi
- Subdues Rebellious Lung Qi
Needling
Obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.
Caution: Pneumothorax.
Commentary for Pohu BL-42
Pohu BL-42 has influence over both physical and psychological disorders.
As its name indicates, it treats disorders of the Corporeal Soul (Po) and emotional disorders related to Lung disharmony. It strengthens and roots the Corporeal Soul in the Lungs, by releasing emotional feelings such as long-term worry, sadness and grief. It has the effect to calm the Mind and sooth the spirit, so that the patient turns inwards and become more comfortable with themselves.
On the physical aspect, BL-42 strongly tonifies the Lung Qi when the Organ is in severe exhaustion. It is indicated for consumption, Lung atrophy and dry cough. Gaohuangshu BL-43 has similar effect.
Furthermore, BL-42 promotes the descending of Lung Qi. Thus it also treats wheezing, dyspnoea and breathlessness.