BL16 (Dū Shū, “Governing Shu-point”) is the Back-Shu of Du Meridian 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 sixth thoracic vertebra (T6). It warms and regulates the Heart, harmonizes the Stomach, and alleviates pain.
On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique-lateral insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
Warms and regulates the Heart, harmonizes the Stomach, and alleviates pain.
Heart pain from cold, abdominal pain, borborygmus (rumbling intestines), rebellious qi.
Classically, this point was primarily indicated for pain, specifically heart pain due to cold and abdominal pain with borborygmus. Its name, 'Governing Shu', and its location below the Heart Shu (BL15) suggest a role in regulating the Heart and its connection to the Governing Vessel. Although some sources forbid needling, moxibustion was permitted and used for conditions of cold and deficiency affecting the middle and upper jiao.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸逢源》 Zhēnjiǔ Féngyuán — Sources of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Li Xuechuan, 1815 · 卷四 · 經穴考正 · 足太陽膀胱經穴考 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
督腧 在六椎下兩旁開脊中二寸。 （灸三壯○類經無此穴）治寒熱心痛According to this text, BL16 lies on both sides below the sixth vertebra, 2 cun from the spine's centre, with 3 moxa cones; it notes the point is absent from the Leijing and records use for chills and fever and heart pain.
《神灸經綸》 Shénjiǔ Jīnglún — Principles of Divine Moxibustion, Wu Yiding, 1851 · 卷之二 · 十二經脈起止 · 膀胱經六十三穴分寸 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
心俞之下有督俞在第六椎下去脊中二寸It is located below Xinshu, at the sixth vertebra, 2 cun from the spine's centre, according to this text.
《針灸資生經》 Zhēnjiǔ Zīshēng Jīng — Classic of Nourishing Life with Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1220 · Source: Wikisource ↗
督俞 二穴．一名高蓋．在六椎下兩旁各寸半．禁針通灸．The text records that BL16, also called Gaogai, lies 1.5 cun on each side below the sixth vertebra, and that needling is forbidden while moxibustion is permitted.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷十 · 經絡（八） · 奇俞類集 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
督俞 在第六椎下，兩旁相去各二寸。 禁針，可灸。 一名高蓋The text states that BL16, also called Gaogai, lies 2 cun on each side below the sixth vertebra, and that it is forbidden to needle but may be moxibusted.
BL16 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL16 (Dū 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 sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).
BL16 warms and regulates the Heart, harmonizes the Stomach, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include heart pain from cold, abdominal pain, borborygmus (rumbling intestines), rebellious qi.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 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 Ming Tang Jing, as cited in the Zi Sheng Jing, explicitly forbids needling this point ('禁針'). The Zhen Jiu Da Cheng also omits any needling instructions, only providing moxibustion details.
BL16 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).