BL17 Diaphragm Shu

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

BL17 (Gé Shū, “Diaphragm Shu”) is the Hui-Meeting of Blood point of the Bladder Meridian. Found 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), at the level of the seventh intercostal space. It invigorates blood, resolves stagnation, and harmonizes the diaphragm.

Location

Found 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), at the level of the seventh intercostal space.

Needling

Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.8 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax.

⚠ Pneumothorax risk: oblique/shallow only, never deep perpendicular over the chest wall.

TCM functions

Invigorates blood, resolves stagnation, and harmonizes the diaphragm.

Indications

Blood stasis syndromes, hiccups, vomiting, cough, asthma, anemia.

Hui-Meeting of Blood

Clinical notes

BL17, the Hui-Meeting point of Blood, is the most important point for invigorating blood, resolving stagnation, and harmonizing the diaphragm. It is indispensable for all blood-related disorders, including blood stasis, deficiency, and heat, manifesting as pain, masses, or menstrual irregularities. It is also renowned for treating hiccup, nausea, and vomiting due to its action on the diaphragm. A classic pairing is with SP10 for various blood disorders.

On the Bladder channel

BL17 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL17 located?

Found 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), at the level of the seventh intercostal space.

What is BL17 used for?

BL17 invigorates blood, resolves stagnation, and harmonizes the diaphragm. Common clinical indications include blood stasis syndromes, hiccups, vomiting, cough, asthma, anemia.

How is BL17 needled?

Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.8 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax. Caution: ⚠ Pneumothorax risk: oblique/shallow only, never deep perpendicular over the chest wall.

Which meridian is BL17 on?

BL17 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.