BL11 Great Shuttle

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

BL11 (Dà Zhù, “Great Shuttle”) is the Eight Influential Point (Hui-Meeting of the Bones) point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, in a depression 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). It releases the exterior and dispels wind, strengthens the bones and sinews, regulates Lung qi, clears heat, and calms the spirit.

Location

On the upper back, in a depression 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1).

Needling

Oblique insertion medially, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique lateral insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.

O
v
e
r
l
i
e
s
t
h
e
t
h
o
r
a
c
i
c
c
a
v
i
t
y
r
i
s
k
o
f
P
N
E
U
M
O
T
H
O
R
A
X
.
N
e
e
d
l
e
o
b
l
i
q
u
e
l
y
o
r
t
r
a
n
s
v
e
r
s
e
l
y
,
n
e
v
e
r
d
e
e
p
l
y
o
r
p
e
r
p
e
n
d
i
c
u
l
a
r
l
y
t
o
w
a
r
d
t
h
e
c
h
e
s
t
w
a
l
l
.
T
h
e
S
u
W
e
n
w
a
r
n
s
a
g
a
i
n
s
t
d
e
e
p
n
e
e
d
l
i
n
g
o
f
b
a
c
k
s
h
u
p
o
i
n
t
s
,
s
t
a
t
i
n
g
t
h
a
t
p
u
n
c
t
u
r
i
n
g
t
h
e
L
u
n
g
c
a
n
b
e
f
a
t
a
l
.
T
h
e
M
i
n
g
T
a
n
g
J
i
n
g
f
o
r
b
i
d
s
m
o
x
i
b
u
s
t
i
o
n
o
n
t
h
i
s
p
o
i
n
t
.

TCM functions

Releases the exterior and dispels wind, strengthens the bones and sinews, regulates Lung qi, clears heat, and calms the spirit..

Indications

Headache, head wind, neck stiffness, inability to look up or down, pain in the lumbar spine and back, knee pain with difficulty flexing and extending, cough, laboring qi, fever and chills, body heat, vexing fullness, internal urgency, restlessness, inability to stand for long, stiffness and falling, tetany with qi excess and fullness in the hypochondrium, muscle spasms, epilepsy, mania, convulsions, aversion to wind and cold, absence of sweating in febrile disease, dizziness, chest fullness, abdominal pain..

Eight Influential Point (Hui-Meeting of the Bones)Sea of Blood Point

Clinical notes

As the Hui-Meeting point of the Bones, Dazhu is a primary point for any bone disorder, including pain, stiffness, and structural issues throughout the spine and joints. Its location at the top of the back makes it crucial for expelling exterior wind-cold, treating headache, neck rigidity, and the initial stages of febrile disease. It also has a notable effect on calming the spirit and treating convulsions or epilepsy, especially when related to sinew tension.

On the Bladder channel

BL11 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL11 located?

BL11 (Dà Zhù) is located on the upper back, in a depression 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1).

What is BL11 used for?

BL11 releases the exterior and dispels wind, strengthens the bones and sinews, regulates Lung qi, clears heat, and calms the spirit. Common clinical indications include headache, head wind, neck stiffness, inability to look up or down, pain in the lumbar spine and back, knee pain with difficulty flexing and extending, cough, laboring qi, fever and chills, body heat, vexing fullness, internal urgency, restlessness, inability to stand for long, stiffness and falling, tetany with qi excess and fullness in the hypochondrium, muscle spasms, epilepsy, mania, convulsions, aversion to wind and cold, absence of sweating in febrile disease, dizziness, chest fullness, abdominal pain.

How is BL11 needled?

Oblique insertion medially, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique lateral insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall. The Su Wen warns against deep needling of back shu points, stating that puncturing the Lung can be fatal. The Ming Tang Jing forbids moxibustion on this point.

Which meridian is BL11 on?

BL11 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.