Bladder Channel

Shentang BL-44

Chinese: 神堂

Pinyin: Shén Táng

Location

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5). 

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 5th thoracic vertebra (T5) is five spinous process below C7.

Or 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. 

Shentang BL-44 is 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T5. Xinshu BL-15 is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to T5. 

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

  1. Clears Heart Fire
  2. Regulates Qi in the chest
  3. Removes the Obstruction from the Channel

Indications

Grief Worry Cough Anxiety Sadness Insomnia Wheezing Depression Restlessness Breathlessness Chest fullness Difficulty swallowing

Needling

Obliquely 0.3–0.8 cun.

Caution: Pneumothorax.

Commentary for Shentang BL-44

Shentang BL-44 is on the outer branch of the Bladder Channel, at the same level there is Xinshu BL-15 which is the Back Transporting-Shu point of the Heart. It is able to clear Heart Fire, so as to calm the Mind and ease some emotional problems such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, worry and etc. 

It also opens the Chest by regulating Qi and subduing Rebellious Qi. Typical symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest distension or breathlessness. 

Finally, it removes obstruction from the Channel and eases pain and stiffness around the back, shoulder and chest area.