Bladder Channel

Yishe BL-49

Chinese: 意舍

Pinyin: Yì Shě

Location

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11). 

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 11th thoracic vertebra (T11) is eleven spinous process below C7.

Or 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. T11 is four thoracic vertebra below. 

Or locate the articulation of the most inferior rib (T12) and palpate in a superior direction to T11.

Yishe BL-49 is 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T11. Pishu BL-20 is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to T11.  

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. Resolves Damp-Heat
  2. Benefits the Intellect

Indications

Worry Sadness Vomiting Diarrhoea Dark Urine Poor memory Yellow eyes Yellow face Feeling of heat Abdominal fullness Dull-yellow sclera Poor concentration Obsessive thinking Difficult ingestion Hypochondriac fullness

Needling

Obliquely 0.3–0.8 cun.

Caution: Pneumothorax.

Commentary for Yishe BL-49

Yishe BL-49 is at the same level as Pishu BL-20, which is the Back Transporting-Shu point of the Spleen. Therefore they share some similar functions. 

Most importantly, Yishe BL-49 clears Damp-Heat, characterized by dark urine, general heat in the body as well as yellow face and eyes. 

It also regulates the Stomach and Spleen. Typical symptoms include vomiting, difficult ingestion, abdominal distention and fullness as well as slippery diarrhoea. 

Furthermore, Yishe BL-49 strengthens the Intellect (Yi) as well. It clears the Mind from obsessive thoughts, brooding, worry and pensiveness due to Spleen Deficiency. Thus it enhances memory and concentration.