BL13 Lung Transporter

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

BL13 (Fèi Shū, “Lung Transporter”) is the Back-Shu of the Lung point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3). One classical location method involves having the patient cross their arms to touch the opposite shoulder, with the point found under the tip of the middle finger. Another method involves measuring with a string from the nipple. It regulates and tonifies Lung Qi, descends rebellious Qi, clears heat from the Lung, resolves phlegm, and calms the spirit. It also treats conditions related to wind, heat, and toxicity.

Location

On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3). One classical location method involves having the patient cross their arms to touch the opposite shoulder, with the point found under the tip of the middle finger. Another method involves measuring with a string from the nipple.

Needling

Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or overly lateral insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Regulates and tonifies Lung Qi, descends rebellious Qi, clears heat from the Lung, resolves phlegm, and calms the spirit. It also treats conditions related to wind, heat, and toxicity..

Indications

Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest fullness, difficult breathing when lying down, vomiting of foam, consumption (tuberculosis), steaming bone disorder, tidal fever, dry mouth and tongue, skin itching, jaundice, aversion to cold, back pain, back bent like a turtle, infantile kyphosis, madness, running amok, desire to commit suicide, weeping, epilepsy, tetanus with back arching, stiffness of the waist and spine, neck stiffness, headache, dizziness, stuffy nose, sweating, water retention after eating, all types of poisonings, head and neck stiffness and pain in Taiyang-Shaoyang combined patterns..

Back-Shu of the Lung

Clinical notes

As the Back-Shu point of the Lung, Feishu is the primary point for treating any disorder of the Lung organ system, whether excess or deficient, hot or cold. It excels at treating cough, asthma, and chest fullness by regulating Lung Qi. Its classical indications for severe psychological disturbances like madness and suicidal ideation highlight its ability to treat the Po (Corporeal Soul) housed by the Lungs, making it useful for psycho-emotional conditions with a respiratory component.

On the Bladder channel

BL13 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL13 located?

BL13 (Fèi Shū) is located on the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3). One classical location method involves having the patient cross their arms to touch the opposite shoulder, with the point found under the tip of the middle finger. Another method involves measuring with a string from the nipple.

What is BL13 used for?

BL13 regulates and tonifies Lung Qi, descends rebellious Qi, clears heat from the Lung, resolves phlegm, and calms the spirit. It also treats conditions related to wind, heat, and toxicity. Common clinical indications include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest fullness, difficult breathing when lying down, vomiting of foam, consumption (tuberculosis), steaming bone disorder, tidal fever, dry mouth and tongue, skin itching, jaundice, aversion to cold, back pain, back bent like a turtle, infantile kyphosis, madness, running amok, desire to commit suicide, weeping, epilepsy, tetanus with back arching, stiffness of the waist and spine, neck stiffness, headache, dizziness, stuffy nose, sweating, water retention after eating, all types of poisonings, head and neck stiffness and pain in Taiyang-Shaoyang combined patterns.

How is BL13 needled?

Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or overly 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 Suwen warns that puncturing the Lung can be fatal within three to five days. This classical warning underscores the anatomical risk of pneumothorax when needling this point.

Which meridian is BL13 on?

BL13 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).

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⚠️ 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.