BL43 Gao Huang (膏肓) Cat Acupuncture Point
In cats, BL43 (Gao Huang, 膏肓) is a feline acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. It is located 3 cun lateral to GV, at T4 level (outer BL line). Traditional indications in this chart include chronic consumptive diseases, oncology palliative, deficiency.
This page is educational. It describes a point in cats as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals, and cats are small and sensitive. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Cat
- Point code
- BL43
- Pinyin
- Gao Huang
- English name
- Vital Region Shu
- Chinese name
- 膏肓
- Meridian
- Bladder
- Element or system
- Water
- Needle depth listed (practitioners only)
- 0.3 to 0.5 cm
- Point category
- Ultimate tonic for chronic deficiency and cachexia
Needle depths are shallow because cats are small. They are shown for reference and are not instructions for owners.
Where is BL43 Gao Huang on a cat?
3 cun lateral to GV, at T4 level (outer BL line).
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
“Cun” is a proportional unit used to find points on the body, so distances scale with the size of the cat.
Traditional indications
- Chronic consumptive diseases
- oncology palliative
- deficiency
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in cats.
Cat conditions that mention BL43 Gao Huang
PetAcu cat condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside BL43 Gao Huang
These feline acupuncture points appear in the same cat condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each cat.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Cats are small and sensitive, and shallow needling and short sessions are usual. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point and on the size and condition of the cat. Note from the source chart: Commonly used for tonification in cancer palliative care and frailty in older cats.
Never apply pressure or heat to a painful area on a cat. If your cat suddenly cannot use the back legs, is breathing with an open mouth, or is straining to urinate, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about BL43 Gao Huang
Where is BL43 Gao Huang on a cat?
3 cun lateral to GV, at T4 level (outer BL line). Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is BL43 Gao Huang used for in feline acupuncture?
The source chart lists chronic consumptive diseases, oncology palliative, deficiency as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use BL43 Gao Huang as a cat acupressure point at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle pressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your cat is unwell, in pain or has not been examined.
Learn more and next steps
Printable point cards and atlas
Acupuncture books, printable point cards, courses and learning resources.
See books and learning →Find cat acupuncture near me
Browse veterinary acupuncture clinics and mobile vets by country, state and city, and check who treats cats.
Search the directory →Cat acupuncture conditions
Guides to common cat conditions and the points commonly discussed for them.
Browse conditions →Some resources are our own digital products, sold on Gumroad. Links to products from other makers may be affiliate links and are labelled. See our Affiliate and Product Disclosure.
Other Bladder acupuncture points for cats
Species: cat. Point data compiled by PetAcu from small-animal acupuncture textbooks and TCVM references (feline chapters). Back to the cat acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas.