BL41 Fufen means 'Attached Branch'

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

BL41 (Fufen, “Fufen means 'Attached Branch'”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra (T2), 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline. It expels wind and cold from the Taiyang channel, relaxes the sinews, and alleviates pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulder.

Location

On the upper back, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra (T2), 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Needling

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

TCM functions

Expels wind and cold from the Taiyang channel, relaxes the sinews, and alleviates pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulder..

Indications

Shoulder and back stiffness, wind-cold lodging in the superficial tissues (cou li), stiff and painful neck, inability to turn the head, numbness of the elbow and arm, back pain radiating to the head..

Clinical notes

BL41 is a key local point for stiffness and pain in the upper thoracic region, particularly when there is a sensation of wind and cold invasion. Its location on the outer Bladder line makes it effective for conditions affecting the scapula, shoulder, and neck, such as difficulty turning the head or radiating numbness into the arm. As a meeting point of the Hand and Foot Taiyang channels, it harmonizes the Qi flow between the upper and lower body along this pathway.

On the Bladder channel

BL41 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL41 located?

BL41 (Fufen) is located on the upper back, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra (T2), 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

What is BL41 used for?

BL41 expels wind and cold from the Taiyang channel, relaxes the sinews, and alleviates pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulder. Common clinical indications include shoulder and back stiffness, wind-cold lodging in the superficial tissues (cou li), stiff and painful neck, inability to turn the head, numbness of the elbow and arm, back pain radiating to the head.

How is BL41 needled?

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

Which meridian is BL41 on?

BL41 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.