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BL-44 Shentang (神堂) — Shen Hall
Depth
00.3–0.5 cun3.0
Oblique insertion
Precautions
High risk of pneumothorax. Do not needle perpendicularly or deeply.
Location (classical)
On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to the inferior border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5), at the level of BL-15 (Heart Shu point).
How to find it (practical)
Seated with the head flexed, locate the point below the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to Shen Dao (GV-11).
Anatomy
Trapezius and rhomboid major muscles.
Needling
Oblique insertion toward the spine, 0.3–0.5 cun.
Etymology
Shen (神), mind; Tang (堂), hall. The Xin (Heart) houses the mind. The point lies at the level of Xin Shu (BL-15), as a hall where the mind dwells.
CLASSICAL SOURCEJia Yi Jing
Clinical Relations
Adjacent Points on the Meridian