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Alternate names: 膏肓 gāo huāng, Gao Huang; BL-38

Channel: BL, Foot Greater Yáng (tài yáng) Bladder Channel

Modern location: An acupoint located on the upper back, level with the inferior border of the spinous process of the fourth thoracic vertebra, 3 cùn lateral to the midline.

Classic location: Three cùn either side of the spine, below the fourth vertebra and just above the fifth. (Glorious Anthology)

Local anatomy: The posterior branch of the intercostal artery and the descending branch of the transverse cervical artery. Medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the 2nd and 3rd thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches and the dorsoscapular nerve.

Action: Supplements the lung and fortifies the spleen; supplements taxation and detriment; stabilizes the heart and banks up the kidney; supports the origin.

Modern indications: Cough; panting; pulmonary consumption (TB); night sweating; forgetfulness; seminal emission; nontransformation of grain (undigested food in the stool).

Classic indications: Dysphagia-occlusion (yē gé); spleen-stomach vacuity; dream emission; back pain; wind taxation; vacuity detriment and the five taxations; affect damage.

Needle stimulus: Needling: 0.3‒0.5 cùn downward oblique insertion. Moxa: 7‒15 cones; pole 20‒50 min.

Needle sensation: Distension spreading downward and outward.

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