BL42 Pohu means 'Door of the Corporeal Soul'

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

BL42 (Pohu, “Pohu means 'Door of the Corporeal Soul'”) is the Back-Shu of Lung point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, at the same level as the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3). It descends rebellious Lung Qi, tonifies Lung deficiency, alleviates pain in the upper back and neck, and calms the Corporeal Soul.

Location

On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, at the same level as the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3).

Needling

Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique-lateral insertion carries a substantial risk of causing a pneumothorax.

TCM functions

Descends rebellious Lung Qi, tonifies Lung deficiency, alleviates pain in the upper back and neck, and calms the Corporeal Soul..

Indications

Vomiting and vexing fullness, tightness between the shoulders, aversion to cold with cold limbs, neck and back pain radiating to the neck, rebellious cough and shortness of breath, panting, consumptive disease, lung atrophy, corpse-like emaciation, wandering of the three corpse-demons, stiffness and pain of the neck and nape making it difficult to turn the head, body heat, consumptive cough..

Back-Shu of Lung

Clinical notes

As the 'Door of the Corporeal Soul' and located level with the Lung's Back-Shu point (BL13), BL42 is a key point for treating chronic Lung conditions, especially those with a psycho-emotional component like grief or unresolved sadness. It is effective for both excess patterns, such as acute cough and wheezing, and deficiency patterns like consumptive lung disease. Its location also makes it a useful local point for stiffness and pain in the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

On the Bladder channel

BL42 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL42 located?

BL42 (Pohu) is located on the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, at the same level as the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3).

What is BL42 used for?

BL42 descends rebellious Lung Qi, tonifies Lung deficiency, alleviates pain in the upper back and neck, and calms the Corporeal Soul. Common clinical indications include vomiting and vexing fullness, tightness between the shoulders, aversion to cold with cold limbs, neck and back pain radiating to the neck, rebellious cough and shortness of breath, panting, consumptive disease, lung atrophy, corpse-like emaciation, wandering of the three corpse-demons, stiffness and pain of the neck and nape making it difficult to turn the head, body heat, consumptive cough.

How is BL42 needled?

Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique-lateral insertion carries a substantial risk of causing a pneumothorax.

Which meridian is BL42 on?

BL42 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.