Ba Liao (M-HN-30) is located at the back of the neck in relation to DU-14 and the midline?

• A. Back of the neck, 2 cun above DU-14 and 1 cun lateral to the midline.
• B. Behind the ear, midway between Fengchi GB-20 and Yìfēng SJ-17.
• C. On the midline of the lower back, below the spinous process of L5.
• D. On the lower abdomen, 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with Ren-3.

Answer: (A)

Ba Liao are two points located on the back of the neck, on both sides of the spine. To find them, first identify DU-14 on the midline at the base of the neck (the prominent vertebra C7). Move 2 cun upward toward the head, then go 1 cun to the left or right of the midline. So the points are behind the neck, not on the midline and not near the ear, lower back, or abdomen. These points are commonly used for occipital headaches and neck stiffness related to wind-cold in the neck region. The other descriptions point to different areas, which is why they don’t fit Ba Liao.