BL45 (Yixi, “Yixi”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6). The classical location method involves pressing the area and having the patient exclaim 'Yixi' (an expression of pain), with the point being where the response is felt under the practitioner's hand. It expels wind, stops sweating, and alleviates pain in the lateral costal region.
On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6). The classical location method involves pressing the area and having the patient exclaim 'Yixi' (an expression of pain), with the point being where the response is felt under the practitioner's hand.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 0.7 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique insertion away from the spine carries a substantial risk of pneumothorax.
Expels wind, stops sweating, and alleviates pain in the lateral costal region..
Sweating due to 'great wind', pain and distention in the flank and hypochondriac region that radiates to the lower abdomen..
Yixi is a point whose name itself describes its nature as a tender, or 'ashi', point. The classical texts highlight its use for two distinct conditions: moxibustion for sweating associated with wind patterns and needling for pain that spans the flank and lower abdomen. Its location on the outer Bladder line suggests a role in addressing musculoskeletal tension in the upper back and intercostal region.
BL45 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL45 (Yixi) is located on the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6). The classical location method involves pressing the area and having the patient exclaim 'Yixi' (an expression of pain), with the point being where the response is felt under the practitioner's hand.
BL45 expels wind, stops sweating, and alleviates pain in the lateral costal region. Common clinical indications include sweating due to 'great wind', pain and distention in the flank and hypochondriac region that radiates to the lower abdomen.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 0.7 cun. Deep perpendicular or oblique insertion away from the spine carries a substantial risk of pneumothorax. Caution: Deep needling risks injuring the lungs. All modern sources strongly advise against deep or perpendicular insertion due to the risk of pneumothorax.
BL45 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).