BL 17 — Gé Shū (膈俞) — Diaphragm Back-Transporting Point
On this page
1. Overview
BL 17 — Gé Shū (膈俞) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Diaphragm Back-Transporting Point, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of T7.
3. Actions
- Influential point for Blood — the most important point for all Blood disorders
- Invigorates Blood and resolves stasis
- Nourishes Blood and stops bleeding
- Clears Heat from the Blood
- Harmonises the diaphragm
4. Indications
- All Blood disorders — stasis, deficiency, Heat and bleeding
- Anaemia and haematological conditions
- Hiccup and vomiting from diaphragm spasm
- Skin conditions from Blood Heat
5. Needling
Oblique medial insertion 0.5–0.8 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
BL 17 is the Back-Shu point of the diaphragm and the Influential (Hui) point for Blood — the most important point for all Blood conditions. It is used for Blood stasis, Blood deficiency, Blood Heat and pathological bleeding. For fertility it is essential in all Blood stasis and deficiency patterns affecting the uterus and endometrium.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 17 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Thin endometrial lining, Endometriosis, Fibroids. 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.
