BL20 Pishu (Spleen Shu Point)

脾俞pí shūPishu

Bladder Meridian

AcuiQ posts on X about the papers it indexes. Follow @acu_iq

Location of acupuncture point BL20 Pishu (Spleen Shu Point)
43
Indications
371
Protocols
AcuiQ Self-Treatment Guide
Acupressure you can do at home, every protocol traced to a trial. – $12.99, free updates for life

Location

1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV06 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra.

Categories

  • Back-Shu point of the Spleen

The classical groups this point belongs to, from Deadman, Al-Khafaji & Baker, A Manual of Acupuncture.

Cautions

Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

Indications

Conditions for which BL20 is listed as indicated. An indication list is a reference index, not a prescription – see the protocols below for sourced treatments.

Poor AppetiteChillsCold Qi SpleenCoughDamp(infant) Nutrition DeficiencyInfantile Nutrition DeficiencySpleen Qi DeficiencyDiarrheaAbdominal BloatingFocal BloatingDysenteryFeverFibroids / Masses Ju JuFibroids Masses Ju JuAbdominal FullnessVomiting FullnessGhost Syndrome Childhood Fright Wind ChronicHaemorrhage ChronicJaundiceMalarial DiseaseMenorrhagiaMyalgia Back Long ExtensorsAbdominal PainBack PainLower Back PainRib PainShoulder PainSkin PainUterine ProlapseMuscle SpasmsBlood in StoolUndigested Food in StoolDeficiency Taxation SyndromeDeficiency-taxation SyndromeTympanites / Drum BellyTympanites Drum BellyUrine BloodUrine CloudyUrine WhiteVomiting BloodWeight Low Despite AppetiteYawning

TCM actions

What classical sources say BL20 does in the terms of Chinese medicine theory. These describe the point, not a condition.

Benefit Regulate BloodBenefit Regulate Qi Jiao MiddleBenefit Tonify Qi SpleenBenefit Tonify Yang SpleenRegulate BloodRegulate Qi Jiao MiddleTonify Qi SpleenTonify Yang Spleen

Protocols using BL20

The 50 best-sourced of 371, ranked by strength of evidence. The count above is the full figure.

  • Period Short, Period Scanty, Period Low, Period Light, Hypomenorrhea Follicular, Kidney Qi Weakness, Kidney Jing Weakness, Mai Ren Deficiency, Mai Chong Deficiency, Restore Yin, Yang Weakness, Facial Paralysis, Facial Paralysis, Period Short, Period Scanty, Period Low, Period Light, Hypomenorrhea Follicular, Kidney Qi Weakness, Kidney Jing Weakness, Mai Ren Deficiency, Mai Chong Deficiency, Restore Yin, Yang Weakness – BL17, BL20, BL23, KD03, CV04 (doi:10.1016/S0254-6272(09)60059-5 ↗)
  • Facial Paralysis, Facial Paralysis – BL17, BL20, BL23, KD03, CV04 (doi:10.1016/S0254-6272(09)60059-5 ↗)
  • Hypomenorrhea, Menstrual Irregular – BL17, BL20, BL23, KD03, CV04 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60059-5 ↗)
  • Dysmenorrhea Primary – ST28, BL20, BL31, BL32, BL33, BL34, LV03 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60035-2 ↗)
  • Dysmenorrhea Primary – ST25, BL18, BL20, BL23, CV03, CV04, GV20 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60035-2 ↗)
  • Hives, Itching – LI11, SP06, SP10, HT07, BL12, BL13, BL15, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL23, KD16, GB20, GB31, CV06, CV09, GV14, GV20, GV24 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60041-8 ↗)
  • Lassitude, Abdominal Distention, Chloasma, Shoulder Pain, Loose Stool, Neck Muscular Pain, Quick Temper – LI04, ST02, ST04, ST06, ST36, SP06, SP10, HT07, SI18, BL13, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL23, PC06, LV03 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60017-0 ↗)
  • Fatigue, Dizziness, Headache, Depression, Lassitude, Knee Pain, Head Vertex Pain, Dyspnea, Heaviness Lower Limbs, Lower Back Pain – LI04, ST36, SP06, HT07, BL15, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL21, BL23, BL26, KD03, PC06, GB20, LV03, CV06, CV12, GV20, GV24 (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗)
  • Dizziness, Insomnia, Palpitation, Precordial Pain – ST36, HT07, BL13, BL15, BL20, PC06, PC07, CV06, CV14, CV17, GV20, GV24 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(08)60052-7 ↗)
  • Bedwetting, Restlessness, Mental Retardation, Slow Reaction, Glossolalia, Salivation, Feeble Neck – LI04, ST04, ST36, ST40, SP06, SP09, HT07, BL10, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23, PC06, GB13, GB20, LV03, CV04, CV06, CV12, CV23, GV14, GV15, GV17, GV20 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(10)60036-2 ↗)
  • Insomnia Heart And Spleen Deficiency – SP06, HT07, BL15, BL20 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(10)60038-6 ↗)
  • Headache, Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Neck Stiffness – LI11, LI15, ST36, ST40, SI11, BL18, BL20, BL23, KD03, PC06, TB05, GB20, GB34, LV03, CV12, GV14, GV20 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(10)60025-8 ↗)
  • Limbs Numbness, Limbs Pain, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Abnormal Sensation Limbs – LI04, LI10, LI11, LI15, ST09, ST31, ST32, ST34, ST36, ST40, ST43, ST44, SP03, SP06, SP08, SP09, SP10, BL13, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL23, GB34, CV04, CV06 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(10)60003-9 ↗)
  • Abdominal Distention, Limbs Weakness, Nasal Obstruction, Sneezing, Loose Stool, Nasal Itching, Nasal Discharge Watery – LU09, LI20, ST36, BL13, BL20, GB20 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60062-5 ↗)
  • Insomnia, Dream-disturbed Sleep, Difficulty Falling Asleep, Frequent Wakening, Early Wakening – ST36, SP06, BL15, BL20, BL23, KD03, PC06, GV20 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(10)60006-4 ↗)
  • Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Abdominal Distention, Palpitation, Dream-disturbed Sleep, Loose Stool, Difficulty Falling Asleep, Frequent Wakening, Poor Memory – ST36, SP06, BL15, BL20, BL23, KD03, PC06, GV20 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(10)60006-4 ↗)
  • Insomnia – ST25, ST36, ST40, SP06, SP09, HT07, BL14, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL21, BL23, KD03, PC06, GB20, GB41, LV03, CV04, CV06, CV12, CV17, GV20, GV23, GV24 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60009-1 ↗)
  • Insomnia, Lassitude, Abdominal Distension, Forgetfulness, Palpitation, Loose Stool, Sleep Dreamy, Decreased Food Intake – SP06, SP09, HT07, BL15, BL17, BL20 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(08)60004-7 ↗)
  • Cough Chronic – LI04, BL13, BL20, BL21, CV12, CV17, CV22 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60022-4 ↗)
  • Sputum, Cough Chronic, Appetite Poor – LI04, BL13, BL20, BL21, CV17, CV22 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60022-4 ↗)
  • Fatigue, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Dreaming, Spermatorrhea, Poor Memory, Appetite Poor, Nocturnal Emission, Lack Of Energy, Low Back Weakness, Soreness Knee – SP06, HT07, BL15, BL20, BL23, BL52, KD03, PC06, CV04, GV20, GV24 (doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60090-x ↗)
  • Immune Deficiency, Immune Dysregulation – ST36, BL18, BL20, BL23 (doi:10.1093/ecam/nel107 ↗)
  • Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Fibromyalgia, Widespread Pain – LI04, SP06, BL18, BL20, PC06, GB34, LV03 (doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-59 ↗)
  • Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual Pain, Mood Changes, Qi-blood Deficiency – ST36, SP06, SP08, BL17, BL20, BL32, CV04, CV06 (doi:10.1093/ecam/nep239 ↗)
  • Hot Flashes, Vasomotor Symptoms, Menopause Perimenopause, Menopause Postmenopause – LI04, LI11, ST36, SP06, HT07, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23, KD03, PC06, GB34, LV03, CV06, CV17, GV14, GV20 (doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e31821f9171 ↗)
  • Headache, Muscle Pain, Fatigue Chronic, Fatigue Unexplained, Sleep Unrefreshing, Memory Impaired, Malaise Post-exertional – BL11, BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23, GB20, GV20 (doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-147 ↗)
  • Knee Pain, Osteoarthritis Knee, Stiffness Joint – ST06, ST34, ST35, ST36, SP04, SP05, SP06, SP09, SP10, BL20, BL40, BL57, BL58, BL60, BL62, KD03, KD10, GB33, GB34, LV08 (doi:10.1155/2013/182528 ↗)
  • Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Fatigue Chronic, Sleep Unrefreshing, Fatigue Post-exertional – BL11, BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23, GB20, GV20 (doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0857-0 ↗)
  • Incontinence Urinary Stress, Incontinence Urinary Mixed, Incontinence Urinary Urgency – SP03, SP06, BL14, BL18, BL20, BL23, BL28, BL31, BL32, BL33, BL34, KD03, KD07, PC06, LV03, CV03, CV04, CV06, GV04, GV20 (doi:10.1136/acupmed-2015-010828 ↗)
  • Asthma, Wheezing, Dyspnea – BL13, BL20, BL23, GV14 (doi:10.1155/2015/846851 ↗)
  • Anxiety, Back Pain, Miscarriage Threatened, Bleeding Vaginal, Cramping Abdominal – LU07, LI11, ST36, ST37, SP01, SP04, HT07, BL20, BL23, BL57, BL62, KD06, KD09, KD21, KD27, PC06, TB04, TB05, TB06, GB30, GB34, GB41, LV02, LV03, CV04, GV04, GV20 (doi:10.1186/s12884-016-1092-8 ↗)
  • COPD, Dyspnea Exertional, Respiratory Obstruction – LU01, LU09, LI18, ST36, BL13, BL20, BL23, GB12 (doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000004879 ↗)
  • Epigastric Pain, Dyspepsia Functional, Burning Epigastric – ST36, ST44, SP09, BL20, BL21, PC06, LV03, LV13, LV14, CV12, CV17 (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1845-3 ↗)
  • Hyperglycemia, Prediabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance – LI04, ST36, ST37, ST39, ST40, SP06, SP09, BL18, BL20, BL21, LV03, LV13, LV14, CV12, GV09 (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2014-4 ↗)
  • Hyperlipidemia, Elevated Ldl-c, Elevated Tc, Elevated Tg – ST25, ST40, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23, CV14 (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2029-x ↗)
  • Epigastric Pain, Dyspepsia Functional, Postprandial Fullness, Satiety Early, Nausea Postprandial – ST34, ST36, ST40, ST42, BL20, BL21, PC06, CV12 (doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018430 ↗)
  • Bone Pain, Back Low Pain, Osteoporosis Primary – BL20, BL23, GV03, GV04 (doi:10.12659/MSM.909725 ↗)
  • Weight Loss, COPD, Dyspnea, Malnutrition, Exercise Intolerance – LU01, LU09, LI18, ST36, BL13, BL20, BL23, KD03, GB12, CV04, CV12 (doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2341-3 ↗)
  • Osteoporosis, Bone Pain, Muscle Weakness, Fracture Risk – ST36, SP06, BL11, BL20, BL23, BL40, KD03, CV04, GV03, GV04 (doi:10.1155/2019/2705263 ↗)
  • Dysmenorrhea Primary, Menstrual Pain, Pelvic Pain – LI04, ST28, ST36, SP10, BL20, BL32, BL54, LV03 (doi:10.1155/2019/7978180 ↗)
  • Lung Cancer, Dyspnea, Pneumonitis Radiation, Inflammation Pulmonary – LU01, LU02, LU09, LI04, ST36, BL13, BL20, BL23, KD03, PC06, GB12, LV03, CV04, CV12, GV14 (doi:10.1177/1534735420908327 ↗)
  • Cough, Phlegm, COPD – LU07, LU09, ST36, ST40, SP06, BL12, BL13, BL20, BL23, KD03, CV12 (doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02899-3 ↗)
  • Cough, Phlegm, Wheezing, COPD – ST36, ST40, BL12, BL20, KD01 (doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02899-3 ↗)
  • COPD, Reduced Quality Of Life – BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23 (doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02899-3 ↗)
  • Overweight, Obesity Simple, Bmi Elevated – LI04, LI11, ST21, ST24, ST25, ST26, ST27, ST28, ST32, ST34, ST36, ST37, ST39, ST40, ST44, SP04, SP06, SP09, SP14, SP15, SP16, BL20, BL21, TB06, GB26, LV13, CV04, CV06, CV07, CV09, CV10, CV12, CV13 (doi:10.1155/2020/2367610 ↗)
  • Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Ulcerative Colitis, Blood In Stool – ST25, ST36, SP04, BL20, BL21, BL23, BL25, KD03, CV04, CV12 (doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03101-4 ↗)
  • Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Ulcerative Colitis, Blood In Stool – ST25, ST36, SP06, BL18, BL20, BL23, GV01 (doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03101-4 ↗)
  • Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Ulcerative Colitis, Blood In Stool – ST25, ST36, SP04, BL16, BL20, BL21, BL22, BL25, KD03, CV04, GV02, GV06 (doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03101-4 ↗)
  • Anxiety, Insomnia, Lethargy, Diarrhea, Psychomotor Retardation, Depression Bipolar, Malaise General – LI04, ST25, ST27, ST36, SP06, BL15, BL18, BL20, PC06, GB20, GB21, LV03, CV04, GV20 (doi:10.1177/1179547620967379 ↗)
  • Proteinuria, Chronic Kidney Disease, Renal Insufficiency, Elevated Creatinine – ST36, SP06, BL20, BL23, CV04, GV04 (doi:10.1155/2020/6128673 ↗)

Most often selected alongside BL20

How many sourced protocols in the index pair each point with BL20. Corpus frequency, not a combination to use.

  • BL23Kidney Shu Point216 protocols
  • ST36Leg Three Miles212 protocols
  • BL18Liver Shu Point125 protocols
  • CV04Original Qi Gate123 protocols
  • SP06Three Yin Intersection122 protocols
  • CV12Stomach Centre102 protocols
  • BL13Lung Shu Point93 protocols
  • BL21Stomach Shu Point86 protocols
  • BL15Heart Shu Point83 protocols
  • CV06Sea Of Qi74 protocols
  • LV03Great Surge70 protocols
  • PC06Inner Gate69 protocols

Other points on the Bladder Meridian

BL01BL02BL03BL04BL05BL06BL07BL08BL09BL10BL11BL12BL13BL14BL15BL16BL17BL18BL19BL21BL22BL23BL24BL25BL26BL27BL28BL29BL30BL31BL32BL33BL34BL35BL36BL37BL38BL39BL40BL41BL42BL43BL44BL45BL46BL47BL48BL49BL50BL51BL52BL53BL54BL55BL56BL57BL58BL59BL60BL61BL62BL63BL64BL65BL66BL67