BL13 (Feishu / Lung Shu) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and clinical reference material for qualified practitioners.
BL13 Feishu is the Lung Back-Shu point in traditional acupuncture theory. Its location combines an identified vertebral level with a proportional lateral distance. Because it lies over the thoracic region, precise anatomy and a cautious assessment of lung and pleural risk matter more than reproducing the appearance of a surface marker.
Practitioner only. This is an educational reference, not a self-needling guide.
BL13 Feishu quick reference
| Point name | BL13 — Feishu (Lung Shu) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Bladder channel of Foot Taiyang |
| Classification | Back-Shu point of the Lung |
| Region | Upper thoracic back |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Core landmark | At the level just below the T3 spinous process, 1.5 B-cun to either side of the posterior midline. |
Location of BL13 Feishu
Identify the third thoracic spinous process and its inferior border. At that horizontal level, locate BL13 1.5 B-cun lateral to the posterior median line. Establish the vertebral level by anatomical assessment and use proportional body measurement; clothing seams and the apparent height of the shoulders are unreliable substitutes.
Landmark checks
- Count and confirm the vertebral level rather than assuming the most prominent neck vertebra is a sufficient reference.
- Keep the 1.5 B-cun line distinct from the more lateral Bladder-channel line.
- Assess the patient in the actual treatment position because posture changes the surface anatomy.
Traditional functions of BL13
- Traditionally supports Lung Qi and Lung Yin in relevant deficiency patterns.
- Associated with the dispersing and descending functions of the Lung.
- Used in traditional approaches to Lung Heat and exterior patterns.
These terms belong to traditional acupuncture theory. They should be distinguished from evidence about clinical outcomes.
Traditional clinical applications
Traditional discussions include cough, chest symptoms and sweating within an appropriate pattern. These associations do not establish effectiveness for a lung disease or justify delaying conventional care. Current respiratory symptoms, previous pneumothorax and relevant chest surgery should be part of the clinical history.
Common point combinations
- BL13 + LU7: a Back-Shu and channel pairing considered in traditional Lung strategies.
- BL13 + LU9: a pairing discussed when supporting Lung deficiency forms part of the complete assessment.
These are traditional treatment-planning examples, not fixed prescriptions. Assess each point separately and select a combination only when it fits the full presentation and your training.
Anatomy and practitioner notes
Skin and muscle cover the ribs and intercostal spaces, with pleura and lung at depth. Soft-tissue thickness varies substantially and can be reduced in a thin or frail patient. A photograph cannot establish the distance to the pleura. Local anatomy, position and any previous thoracic procedure need individual assessment.
Needling and essential safety
Pneumothorax is a specific risk in this region. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion and do not use a fixed needling depth from an illustration. Only practitioners trained in thoracic anatomy should consider the technique. Chest pain, cough or breathlessness developing during or after thoracic needling requires urgent medical assessment; symptoms may be delayed.
Technique must follow individual anatomy and accredited training. Use sterile, single-use needles and suitable infection-control measures. Review health history, medicines, skin condition and consent before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is BL13 on the spine?
No. It is bilateral, lateral to the posterior midline at the T3 reference level.
Does a shallow-looking image establish a safe depth?
No. Surface artwork provides no reliable information about the distance to the pleura or the appropriate technique for an individual.
Is this a guide to self-needling?
No. Needling requires appropriate professional training, anatomical assessment and a safe clinical setting.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Read the LU7 guide and LU9 guide, or browse all Acupuncture Point Guides.
For clinic supplies, browse our professional acupuncture needles and the wider Practitioner Guides.
Professional reference: Written for qualified acupuncture practitioners. Traditional functions and pairing examples describe a clinical tradition; they are not claims of proven efficacy for an individual point. The guide does not replace accredited training, diagnosis, informed consent or a patient-specific treatment plan. Surface illustrations cannot determine safe needle depth or direction.
References and further reading: eLotus CORE: Feishu (BL13); WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations, 2008; revised reprint 2009; NCCIH: Acupuncture — Effectiveness and Safety; NHS: Complementary therapies and safety. Accessed 18 September 2026.
