BL15 Heart Shu

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

BL15 (Xīn Shū, “Heart Shu”) is the Back-Shu Point of the Heart point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5). It calms the Heart and Spirit, regulates Heart Qi, clears Heart fire, tonifies Heart vacuity, and resolves blood stasis in the chest.

Location

On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5).

Needling

Insert obliquely toward the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun deep. Perpendicular or deep oblique insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Calms the Heart and Spirit, regulates Heart Qi, clears Heart fire, tonifies Heart vacuity, and resolves blood stasis in the chest..

Indications

Heart pain that radiates to the back, vexation and fullness in the chest, inability to catch one's breath, cough with expectoration of blood, copious saliva, poor appetite, cough with inversion qi, sweating that does not cease, malaria-like conditions, blurry vision, sadness and weeping, memory loss, seminal emission, turbid discharge, jaundice, nosebleed, erysipelas, heart wind patterns with manic running, epilepsy, lying down without being able to turn to the side, agitation and collapse, sweating with red lips, heart vacuity in children leading to inability to speak for years, heart vexation and oppression that refers to the back, heart pain like a cone or knife stabbing, qi (qi binding), heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, poor memory, chest pain, mania, epilepsy, vomiting, night sweats..

Back-Shu Point of the Heart

Clinical notes

As the Back-Shu point of the Heart, BL15 is a primary point for directly influencing the Heart organ and its associated functions. It is essential for treating a wide range of cardiac and psycho-emotional disorders, from chest pain and palpitations to anxiety, insomnia, and poor memory. The classical debate over moxibustion highlights its powerful effect; while caution is warranted due to its location, moxibustion was considered a vital, life-saving measure in severe cases of Heart yang collapse or wind-stroke.

On the Bladder channel

BL15 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

BL11BL12BL13BL14BL16BL17BL18BL19

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL15 located?

BL15 (Xīn Shū) is located on the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5).

What is BL15 used for?

BL15 calms the Heart and Spirit, regulates Heart Qi, clears Heart fire, tonifies Heart vacuity, and resolves blood stasis in the chest. Common clinical indications include heart pain that radiates to the back, vexation and fullness in the chest, inability to catch one's breath, cough with expectoration of blood, copious saliva, poor appetite, cough with inversion qi, sweating that does not cease, malaria-like conditions, blurry vision, sadness and weeping, memory loss, seminal emission, turbid discharge, jaundice, nosebleed, erysipelas, heart wind patterns with manic running, epilepsy, lying down without being able to turn to the side, agitation and collapse, sweating with red lips, heart vacuity in children leading to inability to speak for years, heart vexation and oppression that refers to the back, heart pain like a cone or knife stabbing, qi (qi binding), heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, poor memory, chest pain, mania, epilepsy, vomiting, night sweats.

How is BL15 needled?

Insert obliquely toward the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun deep. Perpendicular or deep oblique 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. Piercing the heart can cause death within one day. Several classical sources prohibit moxibustion, while others recommend it only in urgent situations. Modern practice requires oblique needling away from the lung field to prevent pneumothorax.

Which meridian is BL15 on?

BL15 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.