BL20 Pishu Dog Acupuncture Point
Pí Shū 脾俞Professional veterinary acupuncture overview of BL20 Pishu in dogs, including anatomical location, spleen support applications, classical functions, and safety notes.
| Chinese Name | 脾俞 |
| Pinyin | Pí Shū |
| Meridian | Bladder Meridian (BL) |
| Anatomical Location | 1.5 cun lateral to GV6, below the T11 spinous process. |
| Main Indications | Loss of appetite, indigestion, vomiting, anemia, spleen qi deficiency. |
| Classical Function | Back-Shu of Spleen; tonifies Spleen qi and harmonizes the middle jiao. |
| Meridian Color | Bladder Meridian | Water | Black / Deep Blue |
Clinical Overview
In veterinary acupuncture practice, BL20 is one of the most important thoracic back-shu points for dogs with digestive weakness and poor nutrient absorption patterns.
TCVM practitioners often include BL20 in protocols aimed at supporting Spleen qi, improving appetite, and addressing chronic digestive deficiency patterns.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This educational content is not intended to replace professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary acupuncturist.
BL20 Canine Acupuncture Point Placeholder
Use this area for the canine BL20 map or your future TCVM illustration.
Pinpoint Location
Anatomical Landmark
Locate the eleventh thoracic vertebra and measure 1.5 cun laterally from the lower border of its spinous process. In canine anatomy, this is the standard landmark for BL20.
Primary Clinical Indications
- Loss of appetite: Commonly used for reduced food intake and Spleen qi deficiency.
- Indigestion: Frequently referenced for middle-jiao disharmony.
- Vomiting: Often included in digestive support protocols.
- Anemia: May be used in chronic deficiency patterns affecting the Blood.
Recommended Point Pairings
In clinical veterinary acupuncture, BL20 is often paired with other digestive and spleen-support points depending on presentation.
Frequently paired with ST36, CV12, BL21, and SP6 in digestive support protocols.
Often combined with CV6 and local abdominal support points for appetite and digestive regulation.
May be integrated into multimodal support strategies involving acupuncture, hydrotherapy, diet adjustment, and rehabilitation.
Modern Veterinary Interpretation
From a modern veterinary rehabilitation perspective, BL20 is positioned over the thoracic region associated with splenic and digestive regulation pathways.
Integrative veterinarians may include this point within broader nutrition and gastrointestinal support plans involving acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and dietary management.
Safety & Needling Notes
Professional Veterinary Use
Because BL20 lies over the thorax, needling depth and angle should only be handled by trained veterinary professionals. Oblique technique is essential to reduce risk.
Gentle Acupressure Guidance
Pet owners exploring supportive acupressure should use only gentle pressure and discontinue immediately if pain, stress, or guarding occurs.
Editorial & Veterinary Review
This educational resource was prepared by the PetAcu editorial team using veterinary acupuncture references, TCVM educational materials, canine rehabilitation resources, and integrative veterinary literature.
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