BL47 (Hunmen, “Hunmen”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9). It harmonizes the Liver and Gallbladder, regulates the Middle Jiao, descends rebellious Qi, and calms the spirit.
On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
Harmonizes the Liver and Gallbladder, regulates the Middle Jiao, descends rebellious Qi, and calms the spirit.
Chest and back pain, pain connecting the chest and back, corpse-like collapse (shi jue), running-infusion disorder (zou zhu), incessant vomiting, excessive saliva, food not descending, rumbling in the abdomen, uncontrolled bowel movements, reddish-yellow urine, cold stomach with difficult digestion, pain in the sinews and bones, chest fullness, back pain with aversion to wind and cold, inability to eat.
Hunmen is a key point for addressing conditions where Liver Qi stagnation affects the Middle Jiao, leading to digestive issues like vomiting, poor appetite, and abdominal sounds. Its location on the back also makes it effective for pain that radiates between the chest, back, and hypochondriac region. As its name implies, it can also be used in treatments for psycho-emotional disturbances rooted in the Liver's Ethereal Soul (Hun), such as the severe 'shi jue' or corpse-like collapse mentioned in the classics.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷07 · Source: Wikisource ↗
胸脅脹滿，背痛惡風寒，飲食不下，嘔吐不留住，魂門主之The text records that BL47 was used for distending fullness of chest and flanks, back pain with aversion to wind and cold, inability to get food and drink down, and vomiting that keeps nothing down.
《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 ↗
魂門二穴，在第九椎下兩旁，相去各三寸陷中，正坐取之，足太陽脈氣所發。 針入五分，可灸五壯It is located in the depression on both sides below the ninth vertebra, 3 cun from the midline, found sitting upright, according to this text, where the foot taiyang qi emerges; BL47 is needled 5 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 ↗
魂门九节外三寸。 针五分，灸五壮。 主食饮不下，腹中雷鸣，大便不节，呕吐不住，多涎According to this text, BL47 lies 3 cun lateral to the ninth vertebra; needle 5 fen, moxa 5 cones. It records use for inability to get food and drink down, thunderous rumbling in the abdomen, irregular bowel movements, unceasing vomiting and much saliva.
BL47 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL47 (Hunmen) is located on the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
BL47 harmonizes the Liver and Gallbladder, regulates the Middle Jiao, descends rebellious Qi, and calms the spirit. Common clinical indications include chest and back pain, pain connecting the chest and back, corpse-like collapse (shi jue), running-infusion disorder (zou zhu), incessant vomiting, excessive saliva, food not descending, rumbling in the abdomen, uncontrolled bowel movements, reddish-yellow urine, cold stomach with difficult digestion, pain in the sinews and bones, chest fullness, back pain with aversion to wind and cold, inability to eat.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
BL47 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).