BL19 Gallbladder Shu

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

BL19 (Dǎn Shū, “Gallbladder Shu”) is the Back-Shu point point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10). The point is located while the person is sitting upright. It clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, subdues rebellious Qi, resolves phlegm, and soothes the sinews.

Location

On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10). The point is located while the person is sitting upright.

Needling

Perpendicular-oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, subdues rebellious Qi, resolves phlegm, and soothes the sinews..

Indications

Chest and hypochondriac fullness and pain, inability to turn the body, inability to lie down due to flank pain, abdominal distension, bitter taste in the mouth, dry tongue, throat pain, vomiting, dry heaving where nothing is expelled, inability to eat, phlegm stuffiness, bone-steaming consumptive heat, jaundice, mouth and tongue dryness..

Back-Shu point

Clinical notes

As the Back-Shu point of the Gallbladder, BL19 is a primary point for treating Gallbladder organ patterns, especially those involving Damp-Heat. It is frequently used for jaundice, bitter taste, and hypochondriac pain. Its ability to address vomiting and digestive issues reflects the Gallbladder's role in assisting the Stomach's descending function. It is also a key point in the 'Four Flower' (Si Hua) combination with BL17 for treating consumptive disorders like tuberculosis, which were characterized by 'bone-steaming' fever.

On the Bladder channel

BL19 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

BL15BL16BL17BL18BL20BL21BL22BL23

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL19 located?

BL19 (Dǎn Shū) is located on the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10). The point is located while the person is sitting upright.

What is BL19 used for?

BL19 clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, subdues rebellious Qi, resolves phlegm, and soothes the sinews. Common clinical indications include chest and hypochondriac fullness and pain, inability to turn the body, inability to lie down due to flank pain, abdominal distension, bitter taste in the mouth, dry tongue, throat pain, vomiting, dry heaving where nothing is expelled, inability to eat, phlegm stuffiness, bone-steaming consumptive heat, jaundice, mouth and tongue dryness.

How is BL19 needled?

Perpendicular-oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep 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, as cited in the Zi Sheng Jing, warns: 'Puncturing the Gallbladder causes death in one and a half days.' This highlights the risk of deep needling in this area.

Which meridian is BL19 on?

BL19 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.