Bā Zhuī (八椎) — Eighth Vertebra
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1. Overview
Bā Zhuī (八椎) — Eighth Vertebra — is an extra acupuncture point (not on any of the fourteen main channels). It is used as an adjunct to channel-based prescriptions in acupuncture practice for the indications below.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use this point as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Below the spinous process of the 8th thoracic vertebra (T8), on the posterior midline. Not one of the classical GV points but described in extra-point compendia.
3. Actions
- Regulates the Middle Burner
- Opens the diaphragm
4. Indications
- Diaphragmatic spasm and hiccups
- Chest and epigastric fullness
- Reflux and rebellious Stomach Qi
5. Needling
Oblique upward 0.5–1 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
Adjunctive back-mu-like point used with BL 17 and BL 21 for persistent hiccups and reflux.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Bā Zhuī as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Acid reflux. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
