BL21 Stomach Shu

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

BL21 (Wèi Shū, “Stomach Shu”) is the Back-Shu of the Stomach 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 twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12). It harmonizes the Stomach, regulates the Middle Jiao, transforms dampness, and tonifies Stomach Qi and Yin.

Location

On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12).

Needling

Oblique insertion medially, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique lateral insertion carries a risk of injuring the kidney.

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TCM functions

Harmonizes the Stomach, regulates the Middle Jiao, transforms dampness, and tonifies Stomach Qi and Yin..

Indications

Abdominal pain, stomach cold, abdominal distention, abdominal fullness and rumbling, poor appetite, eating a lot but the body is emaciated, emaciation, vomiting, vomiting food, regurgitation of food, cholera, chest and hypochondriac fullness, back pain, muscle spasms, failure of infants to develop muscle and skin, dim vision, dragon-type carbuncle on the back..

Back-Shu of the Stomach

Clinical notes

As the Back-Shu point of the Stomach, BL21 is a primary point for a wide range of gastric disorders, whether excess or deficient, hot or cold. It is particularly effective for conditions of Stomach Cold and Dampness, manifesting as abdominal distention, poor appetite, and loose stools. It is also a key point for tonifying the Stomach in chronic conditions leading to emaciation, such as failure to thrive in children or wasting and thirsting disorder.

On the Bladder channel

BL21 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

BL17BL18BL19BL20BL22BL23BL24BL25

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL21 located?

BL21 (Wèi Shū) is located on the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12).

What is BL21 used for?

BL21 harmonizes the Stomach, regulates the Middle Jiao, transforms dampness, and tonifies Stomach Qi and Yin. Common clinical indications include abdominal pain, stomach cold, abdominal distention, abdominal fullness and rumbling, poor appetite, eating a lot but the body is emaciated, emaciation, vomiting, vomiting food, regurgitation of food, cholera, chest and hypochondriac fullness, back pain, muscle spasms, failure of infants to develop muscle and skin, dim vision, dragon-type carbuncle on the back.

How is BL21 needled?

Oblique insertion medially, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique lateral insertion carries a risk of injuring the kidney. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.

Which meridian is BL21 on?

BL21 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.