Pressure Point: BL 45 – Yishe
- Name (Chinese): Yishe – (意舍)
- Name (English): That Hurt
- Introduction: Yishe (BL 45), also known as “That Hurt,” is a pressure point on the Bladder meridian in traditional Chinese medicine.
Location
It is located 3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).
Pressure Point Identification
- To locate BL-45, first find the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) and then identify T6 by counting six spinous processes below C7.
- Alternatively, locate the spinous process of T7, which is level with the inferior angle of the scapula when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down. T6 is one thoracic vertebra above.
- Yishe (BL-45) is precisely 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T6. Compare its location to Dushu (BL-16), which is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to T6. Points between Fufen (BL-41) and Zhibian (BL-54) are in the lateral branch of the Bladder Channel, while those between Fengmen (BL-12) and Baihuanshu (BL-30) are in the medial branch
Benefits
- Alleviates back pain
- Relieves tension in the thoracic area
- May assist with respiratory issues
Technique
- Apply firm and steady pressure using thumbs or fingertips.
- Circular or kneading motions can be effective.
- Experiment with different levels of pressure to find what is comfortable.
Precautions
- Avoid excessive pressure, especially if the area is sensitive.
- Consult a healthcare professional if there are underlying health concerns.
Conditions Treated
- Thoracic pain or stiffness
- Respiratory conditions
- Stress and tension in the upper back
Related Points
- Dushu (BL-16): Located at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to T6.
- Fufen (BL-41) to Zhibian (BL-54): Points between them are in the lateral branch of the Bladder Channel.
- Fengmen (BL-12) to Baihuanshu (BL-30): Points between them are in the medial branch
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can BL-45 be used for lower back pain?
BL 45 primarily addresses thoracic issues, and for lower back pain, points such as Yaoyan (GV-3) or Yaoyangguan (DU-3) may be more appropriate.
Is it safe to apply pressure to BL 45 during pregnancy?
It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using acupressure during pregnancy. In some cases, certain points may be contraindicated.
How long should pressure be applied to BL 45 for optimal results?
Duration can vary, but a typical session may involve 1-3 minutes of pressure. Start gradually and adjust based on comfort and response.