Which BL point is located 3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra and BL-16?

• A. BL 44
• B. BL 45
• C. BL 41
• D. BL 42

Answer: (B)

Localization along the Bladder channel uses the back-shu pattern: the points sit about 3 cun to the side of the spine, at specific vertebral levels. To find the spot described, identify the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6). From the midline, measure 3 cun laterally. The point that sits there on the bladder meridian is BL-45. This is why BL-45 is the best fit for a location that is 3 cun off the midline at the level of T6. The other nearby points would lie at different vertebral levels or lateral positions and wouldn’t match this exact description.