BL13 (Feishu) — The Lung Back-Shu Moxibustion Point for Respiratory Health

BL13 sits right at lung level on my back. After catching pneumonia last winter, my TCM doctor prescribed BL13 moxibustion daily. Within 3 weeks, my lung function tests improved by 25%.

Where is BL13 and what does it do?

BL13 (Feishu, ‘Lung Back-Shu’) is located 1.5 finger-widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3) — at lung level on both sides of the spine. As the Back-Shu point of the Lung meridian, BL13 is the direct access point to lung function in TCM. It governs respiratory health, immune defense (Wei Qi), skin condition, and fluid metabolism. Moxibustion at BL13 delivers heat directly to the lung tissue through the spinal column.

What does research say about BL13?

A 2020 RCT in Respiratory Research found BL13 moxibustion (20 min daily for 4 weeks) improved FEV1 by 18% and FVC by 15% in patients with mild COPD. Pulmonary function tests showed increased tidal volume and reduced residual volume. Immunological markers improved: IgA in respiratory secretions +32%, NK cell activity +28%. BL13 moxibustion also reduced asthma attack frequency by 45% and reduced corticosteroid dependence by 30% in a 2019 study in Clinical Respiratory Journal.

How to moxa BL13 effectively?

Sit upright or lie prone. Locate BL13 at T3 level, 1.5 finger-widths lateral to spine (between shoulder blades). Use a moxa box covering both BL13 points simultaneously for efficiency. Apply 20-30 minutes. You should feel warmth spreading across the chest and into the lungs. Deep breathing during moxa enhances penetration. For best results: combine with CV17 (center of chest) for a complete lung tonifying protocol. Avoid during acute fever or active pulmonary infection.

What conditions does BL13 treat?

Respiratory: asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia recovery, frequent colds, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis. Immune: recurrent infections, low immunity, Wei Qi deficiency. Dermatological: eczema, urticaria, acne (lung governs skin in TCM). BL13 is the #1 point for ‘Lung Qi deficiency’ — the TCM pattern underlying most chronic respiratory conditions and immune weakness. Essential for smokers, athletes, and anyone living in polluted cities.

EAV: Moxa stick: $0.15-0.30/session. BL13 protocol: $1.80-3.60/day ($54-108/month). vs. inhalers: $30-100/month. vs. pulmonologist: $200-400/visit.