BL46 (Geguan, “Geguan”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), level with BL17 (Geshu). It strengthens the spine, expels cold from the back, and alleviates pain and stiffness.
On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), level with BL17 (Geshu).
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
Strengthens the spine, expels cold from the back, and alleviates pain and stiffness.
Stiffness and rigidity of the lumbar spine and back, aversion to cold and pain in the back, spinal rigidity with difficulty bending forward and backward.
Geguan is a point on the outer Bladder line, level with the influential point of Blood, Geshu (BL17). While its classical indications focus on spinal rigidity and back pain, its name 'Diaphragm Gate' suggests a relationship with the diaphragm and middle jiao. Clinically, it can be used as a local point for musculoskeletal pain and stiffness in the upper and middle back, especially when there is a component of cold.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸逢源》 Zhēnjiǔ Féngyuán — Sources of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Li Xuechuan, 1815 · 卷四 · 經穴考正 · 足太陽膀胱經穴考 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
膈關 在七椎下兩旁開脊中三寸半陷。 中正坐開肩取之。 （針五分。 灸三壯。 ）治背痛惡寒脊強According to this text, BL46 lies in the depression on both sides below the seventh vertebra, 3.5 cun from the spine's centre, found sitting upright with the shoulders opened; needle 5 fen, moxa 3 cones, and it was used for back pain with aversion to cold and a stiff spine.
《醫學綱目·刺灸》 Yīxué Gāngmù · Cìjiǔ — Outline of Medicine: Needling and Moxibustion, Lou Ying, 1565 · 卷之八·陰陽臟腑部 · 穴法下 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
膈關二穴，在第七椎下兩旁，相去各三寸陷中，正坐取之，足太陽脈氣所發。 針入二分，可灸五壯It is located in the depression on both sides below the seventh vertebra, 3 cun from the midline, found sitting upright, according to this text, where the foot taiyang qi emerges; BL46 is needled 2 fen with up to 5 moxa cones.
《醫學入門》 Yīxué Rùmén — Introduction to Medicine, Li Chan, 1575 · 经穴起止 · Source: Wikisource ↗
膈关七节外三寸，正坐开肩取之。 针五分，灸五壮。 主背痛脊强，食不下，唾哕多涎沫According to this text, BL46 lies 3 cun lateral to the seventh vertebra, found sitting with the shoulders opened; needle 5 fen, moxa 5 cones. It records use for back pain and stiff spine, inability to get food down, and retching with much frothy saliva.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 背自第二椎兩旁夾脊各三寸行至二十一椎下凡二十八穴第九 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
膈關二穴，主背痛惡寒，脊強難以俯仰，飲食不下，嘔噦吐涎，胸中噫悶，大便不節，小便黃The text records that BL46 was used for back pain with aversion to cold, stiff spine hard to bend, inability to take food and drink, vomiting and retching with saliva, belching and oppression in the chest, irregular bowel movements and yellow urine.
BL46 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL46 (Geguan) is located on the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), level with BL17 (Geshu).
BL46 strengthens the spine, expels cold from the back, and alleviates pain and stiffness. Common clinical indications include stiffness and rigidity of the lumbar spine and back, aversion to cold and pain in the back, spinal rigidity with difficulty bending forward and backward.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
BL46 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).