Geguan BL46: Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications

Nomenclature:

Ge: diaphragm Guan:pass
Geguan is at the level of Geshu (BL17)
Point: BL46
Chinese Name: 膈关
Name: Geguan
English Name/Meaning: Diaphragm Gate
Pinyin: gé guān
Han Geul 한글: gyeok gwan 격관
Romaji: kaku kan(?)
Vietnamese:Cách quan

Location:

3 cun lateral to Zhiyang (GV9), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra, approximately at the level of the inferior angle of the scapula.

Functions of Geguan:

• Harmonizes the diaphragm.
• Regulates middle burner.
• Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach.
• Relaxes the sinew and invigorates the collaterals.

Indications:

Dysphagia, hiccup, vomiting, bleching, pain and stiffness of the back.

Method:

Oblique insertion towards lateral 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

Precautions:

Deep perpendicular or needling in a wrong direction carries a substantial risk of causing a pneumothorax.