BL23 Shen Shu (肾俞) Cat Acupuncture Point
In cats, BL23 (Shen Shu, 肾俞) is a feline acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. It is located 1.5 cun lateral to GV, below L2 spinous process. Traditional indications in this chart include CKD, FLUTD, osteoarthritis.
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
- BL23
- Pinyin
- Shen Shu
- English name
- Kidney Shu
- Chinese name
- 肾俞
- Meridian
- Bladder
- Element or system
- Water
- Needle depth listed (practitioners only)
- 0.3 to 0.5 cm
- Point category
- Back-Shu of Kidney
Needle depths are shallow because cats are small. They are shown for reference and are not instructions for owners.
Where is BL23 Shen Shu on a cat?
1.5 cun lateral to GV, below L2 spinous process.
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
- CKD
- FLUTD
- osteoarthritis
- hind limb paralysis
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 BL23 Shen Shu
PetAcu cat condition guides that name this point:
- Kidney diseaseThe chart lists this point for CKD.
- FLUTDThe chart lists this point for FLUTD.
- FIPThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
- Anxiety and stressThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
- ArthritisThe chart lists this point for osteoarthritis, hind limb paralysis.
- Heart diseaseThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
Points often discussed alongside BL23 Shen Shu
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. This point lies along the back or hip region, close to deeper structures such as the kidneys, so needle depth is chosen with care in a small cat. Note from the source chart: Commonly used in feline chronic kidney disease.
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 BL23 Shen Shu
Where is BL23 Shen Shu on a cat?
1.5 cun lateral to GV, below L2 spinous process. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is BL23 Shen Shu used for in feline acupuncture?
The source chart lists CKD, FLUTD, osteoarthritis, hind limb paralysis as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use BL23 Shen Shu 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
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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.