A Neurosegmental Perspective of the Classical Back Shu Points

Abstract

Abstract In traditional acupuncture, acupoints in the paraspinal musculature along the Bladder channel can be used to stimulate specific internal organs. These are the so-called Back Shu points (BSP) or Transporting points. Some of these insertion sites, based on millennia of clinical observations, are functionally accurate. This review of the neuroanatomical literature, discussing the spinal segmental innervation of the thoracic and abdominal organs, found significant discrepancies in the anatomic levels reported to produce reflex neural stimulation of any given organ. Based on these findings, clinically important corrections to the optimal spinal segmental levels to stimulate organ function are suggested. A broad range of clinical applications is afforded to the practitioner by the stimulation of the posterior branch of the spinal nerves with acupuncture needles and electricity. This article discusses the classical BSP from a contemporary neuroanatomical perspective and proposes a new model of clinical ...