Bladder Channel

Weishu BL-21

Chinese: 胃俞

Pinyin: Wèi Shū

Location

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12). 

How to locate

First locate the spinous process of T7, which is level with the inferior angle of the scapula, when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down. T12 is five thoracic vertebra below. 

Or identify the Tuffier's line which connects the highest points of the iliac crest. The spinous process  of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4) mostly falls on this line. Then identify the spinous process of T12 by counting four up. 

Weishu BL-21 is 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of T12. Weicang BL-50 is at the same level but 3 cun lateral to T12.  

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. Tonifies Stomach Qi
  2. Subdues Rebellious Stomach Qi
  3. Resolves Dampness

Indications

Oedema Nausea Fatigue Vomiting Jaundice Belching Thin body Hiccuping Weak Limbs Poor appetite Food retention Epigastric pain Sour regurgitation Epigastric fullness Epigastric distension

Needling

0.5–1 cun obliquely towards the spine.

Or 1 to 1.5 cun transversely towards the spine. This method applied more often as it allows the patients to lie in a supine position easily during needling retention. 

Caution: Pneumothorax.

Commentary for Weishu BL-21

As the Back Transporting-Shu point of the Stomach, Weishu BL-21 is an important point with various functions related to the Stomach. 

First of all, it strongly tonifies the Stomach Qi. Thus it can ease poor appetite, fatigue, weak limbs and thin body without strength. It often used together with Pishu BL-20 to tonifies  the Spleen and the Stomach. Both Organs are the Root of the Post-Heaven Qi, Blood and Food Essences. The combination of these two points helps patient who suffer from long-term physical and mental exhaustion or simply low in energy. 

Secondly, with Reducing Needling method, it also regulates Stomach Qi and subdues Rebellious Qi, characterized by symptoms such as belching, hiccup, nausea and vomiting. It also relieves food retention in the Stomach, causing epigastric fullness or sour regurgitation. 

Finally, it resolves Dampness as well as it tonifies the Spleen Qi to some extend.