Upper back acupuncture points — 3D atlas

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

The Upper back region contains 16 acupuncture points (meridians: BL, GV, SI). The interactive atlas below opens directly on this region: click a point for its booklet (location, needling, indications, combinations), turn on labels, or start the tour.

Open this region in the full atlas ↗

Points in this region (16)

CodeNameLocation
BL12
Fēng Mén
Fēng MénOn the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra (T2).
BL13
Fèi Shū
Lung TransporterOn the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra…
BL14
Jué Yīn Shū
Jué Yīn ShūOn the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth thoracic vertebra (T4).
BL15
Xīn Shū
Heart ShuOn the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5).
BL16
Dū Shū
Dū Shū means 'Governing Shu-point'On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra…
BL17
Gé Shū
Diaphragm ShuOn the back, below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
BL18
Gān Shū
Gān Shū translates to "Liver ShuOn the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9).
BL19
Dǎn Shū
Gallbladder ShuOn the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10). The point is located while…
GV8
Jinsuo
Jinsuo means 'Sinew Contraction'On the posterior midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
GV9
Zhiyang
ZhiyangOn the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10). This point is on the Governing…
GV10
Lingtai
LingtaiOn the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).
GV11
Shendao
ShendaoOn the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5).
GV12
Shenzhu
ShenzhuOn the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3).
SI11
Tianzong
Celestial GatheringOn the scapula, in the depression in the center of the infraspinous fossa, located approximately one-third of the distance from the…
SI13
Quyuan
Curved WallOn the superior aspect of the scapula, in the depression superior to the medial end of the spine of the scapula, approximately at the…
SI14
Jianwaishu
JianwaishuOn the upper back, in a depression on the superior border of the scapula, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the…

Other regions: Trunk back: Shoulder · Lower back · Sacrum & hip

How many acupuncture points are in the Upper back?

The Upper back region of the atlas lists 16 points: BL12, BL13, BL14, BL15, BL16, BL17, BL18, BL19, GV8, GV9, GV10, GV11, GV12, SI11, SI13, SI14.

How do I locate a point in the Upper back?

Open the point in the 3D atlas: the booklet gives the standard location, a cun ruler from the nearest bony landmark, and a step-by-step description.

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ 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.