BL 20 — Pí Shū (脾俞) — Spleen Back-Transporting Point
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1. Overview
BL 20 — Pí Shū (脾俞) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Spleen 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 T11.
3. Actions
- Back-Shu point of the Spleen — directly tonifies Spleen Qi
- Strengthens transformation and transportation
- Resolves Dampness and Phlegm
- Nourishes Blood
- Stops bleeding from Spleen failing to hold Blood
4. Indications
- Spleen Qi deficiency — fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools
- Oedema and Damp accumulation
- Anaemia
- PCOS from Spleen deficiency generating Phlegm-Damp
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 20 is the Back-Shu point of the Spleen. Combined with ST 36 and SP 6 it forms the most powerful three-point Spleen tonification combination. In PCOS treatment BL 20 is essential — Spleen deficiency failing to transform fluids is the root cause of the Phlegm-Damp obstruction that underlies most PCOS patterns. Moxibustion at BL 20 is regularly used for Cold-Damp Spleen patterns.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 20 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including PCOS, Digestive disorders, Chronic fatigue syndrome. 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.
