High risk of pneumothorax. Deep insertion may puncture the liver on the right side.
📍 Location (classical)
On the back, 3 cun lateral to the inferior border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9), at the level of BL-18 (Liver Shu point).
🧭 How to find it (practical)
Seated with the head flexed, locate the point below the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to Jin Suo (GV-8).
🔬 Anatomy
Latissimus dorsi and iliocostalis thoracis muscles. Innervated by the dorsal branches of the thoracic nerves.
💉 Needling
Oblique insertion toward the spine, 0.3–0.5 cun.
📜 Etymology
Hun (魂), soul; Men (门), gate. The Gan (Liver) houses the soul. The point lies at the level of Gan Shu (BL-18), as a gate for the Qi of the Gan (Liver).
