Pohu Point (BL-42 / Soul Gate)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Pohu (BL-42 / Soul Gate). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, stiff neck, and shoulder pain – the gateway for lung qi – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Pulmonary tuberculosis, cough, wheezing, stiff painful neck, shoulder and back pain, shortness of breath, and consumptive disorders.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, count down 3 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra – the point is 4 finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Pohu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to prevent and treat cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Therapeutic actions: Disperses lung qi and regulates qi, stops cough and relieves wheezing, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Wheezing and cough: Combine with Tiantu (RN-22) and Tanzhong (RN-17).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and serves as the gateway for lung qi. It disperses lung qi and regulates qi, stops cough and relieves wheezing, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals. It is a commonly used key point for treating lung-related and shoulder-back disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Po" refers to the corporeal soul associated with the lung; "Hu" means gate or door. Located on the back, this point is where lung qi enters and exits – hence the name Pohu (Soul Gate).
