Geguan Point (BL-46 / Diaphragm Pass)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Geguan (BL-46 / Diaphragm Pass). Learn its benefits for difficulty swallowing, vomiting, belching, chest oppression, and back pain – the gateway for diaphragm qi – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Difficulty swallowing, vomiting, belching (hiccups), chest oppression and fullness, and spinal and back stiffness with pain.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (at the level of the inferior angle of the scapulae) – the point is 4 finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Geguan with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat belching and hiccups. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and opens the diaphragm, descends rebellious qi and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and relieves pain, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Belching: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6). Vomiting and difficulty swallowing: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36). Chest oppression and fullness: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17) and Zhigou (TE-6). Spinal and back stiffness with pain: Combine with Dazhu (BL-11) and Weizhong (BL-40).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It soothes the chest and opens the diaphragm, descends rebellious qi and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and relieves pain, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals. It is a commonly used key point for treating digestive and chest-back disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Ge" refers to the diaphragm; "Guan" means pass or gateway. Located on the back, corresponding to the diaphragm, this point serves as the gateway for diaphragm qi – hence the name Geguan (Diaphragm Pass).
Contraindications
Located on the back, needling should not be too deep – generally oblique needling at 0.5–0.8 cun to avoid injury to internal organs. Moxibustion is permissible.
