BL44 (Shentang, “Hall of the Spirit”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, in a depression 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5), level with the Heart Shu (BL15). It calms the Spirit, unbinds the chest, relieves pain, and relaxes the sinews.
On the upper back, in a depression 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5), level with the Heart Shu (BL15).
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a substantial risk of causing a pneumothorax.
Calms the Spirit, unbinds the chest, relieves pain, and relaxes the sinews..
Shoulder and back pain connecting to the chest, inability to bend forward or backward, shoulder pain, fullness of the chest and abdomen, shivering with alternating chills and fever, stiffness and rigidity of the spine and back, chest fullness, upward counterflow of qi, occasional esophageal constriction, back pain, cough, wheezing, asthma..
Shentang is located lateral to the Heart's Back-Shu point, and its name, 'Hall of the Spirit,' reflects its strong influence on the Shen. It is a key point for addressing emotional and psychological issues rooted in Heart disharmony, such as anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations, especially when accompanied by chest tightness or back pain. Locally, it is effective for stiffness and pain in the upper back, scapular region, and shoulders, particularly when movement is restricted.
BL44 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL44 (Shentang) is located on the upper back, in a depression 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5), level with the Heart Shu (BL15).
BL44 calms the Spirit, unbinds the chest, relieves pain, and relaxes the sinews. Common clinical indications include shoulder and back pain connecting to the chest, inability to bend forward or backward, shoulder pain, fullness of the chest and abdomen, shivering with alternating chills and fever, stiffness and rigidity of the spine and back, chest fullness, upward counterflow of qi, occasional esophageal constriction, back pain, cough, wheezing, asthma.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a substantial risk of causing a pneumothorax. Caution: The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying notes that the name 'Shentang' is also an alternate name for the Du Mai point Shangxing (DU23).
BL44 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).