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Bladder Meridian / Channel Acupuncture Points

Bladder Meridian / Channel Acupuncture Points.

The meridian system (simplified Chinese: 经络; traditional Chinese: 經絡; pinyin: jīngluò, also called channel network) is a concept in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) about a path through which the life-energy known as “qi” flows.1 The twelve standard meridians, also called principal meridians, are divided into Yin and Yang groups. The Yin meridians of the arm are Lung, Heart, and Pericardium. The Yang meridians of the arm are Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Triple Burner. The Yin Meridians of the leg are Spleen, Kidney, and Liver. The Yang meridians of the leg are Stomach, Bladder, and Gall Bladder.2 The Bladder Meridian or Bladder Channel is one of the 12 principal meridians in TCM. It corresponds with the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian of the Foot. The Flow Hours of this meridian are 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.3

 

CONTENTS


ORGAN AND FUNCTION

ACUPOINTS

 

ORGAN AND FUNCTION


As distinct from the Western medical concept of Urinary bladder, this concept from Traditional Chinese Medicine is more a way of describing a set of interrelated functions than an anatomical organ. The Bladder is a Yang (Fu) organ; its paired Yin (Zang) organ is the Kidney. Both are associated with the element of water and the emotion of fear.4

As opposed to western medicine, where the bladder functions for the storage and excretion of urine, the bladder in Traditional Chinese Medicine has extended functions, including how fluids are transformed during urine production. Fluids are still sent from the small intestine to the bladder for storage, but the bladders capabilities are dependent on the kidney yang. If the kidney is yang deficient, the bladder may not have the sufficient qi and heat to transform fluids properly into urine. This could result in overly clear urine that must be excreted more frequently.5

 

ACUPOINTS


This meridian contains 67 acupoints in one side, that is 134 acupoints in total.

BL-1
Location: In the depression slightly above the inner canthus.
Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, itching of the canthus, lacrimation, night blindness, color blindness, blurring of vision, myopia.
Acupuncture Method: Ask the patient to close his eyes when pushing gently the eyeball to the lateral side. Puncture slowly perpendicularly 0.3-0.7 inch along the orbital wall. It is not advisable to twist of lift and thrust the needle vigorously. To avoid bleeding, press the puncturing site for a few seconds after withdrawal of the needle. Moxibustion is forbidden.
Vasculature: The angular artery and vein, deeper, superiorly, the ophthalmic artery and vein.
Innervation: Superficially, the supratrochlear and infratrochlear nerves; deeper, the branches of the oculomotor nerve, the ophthalmic nerve.

BL-2
Location: On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch.
Indications: Headache, blurring and failing of vision, pain in the supraorbital region, lacrimation, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, twitching of eyelids, glaucoma.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch, or prick with three-edged needle to cause bleeding.
Vasculature: The frontal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial branch of the frontal nerve.

BL-3
Location: Directly above Zanzhu, 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, between Shenting (GV-24) and Quchai (BL-4).
Indications: Headache, giddiness, epilepsy, nasal obstruction.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch.
Regional anatomy: See Zanzhu (BL-2).

BL-4
Location: 0.5 cun directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the junction of the medial third and lateral two-thirds of the distance from Shenting (GV-24) to Touwei (ST-8).
Indications: Headache, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, blurring and failing of vision.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The frontal artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branch of the frontal nerve.

BL-5
Location: 1 cun directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, epilepsy, convulsion.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Quchai (BL-4).

BL-6
Location: 2.5 cun directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, nasal obstruction.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch.
Vasculature: The anastomotic network of the frontal artery and vein, the superficial temporal artery and vein, the occipital artery and vein.
Innervation: The anastomotic branch of the lateral branch of the frontal nerve and the great occipital nerve.

BL-7
Location: 4 cun directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Indications: Headache, giddiness, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, rhinorrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The superficial temporal artery and vein and the occipital artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the great occipital nerve.

BL-8
Location: 5.5 cun directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Indications: Dizziness, blurring of vision, tinnitus, mania.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch.
Vasculature: The branches of the occipital artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the great occipital nerve.

BL-9
Location: 2.5 cun directly above the midpoint of the posterior hairline and 1.3 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression on the level of the upper border of the external occipital protuberance.
Indications: Headache and neck pain, dizziness, ophthalmalgia, nasal obstruction.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The occipital artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the great occipital nerve.

BL-10
Location: 1.3 cun lateral to the midpoint of the posterior hairline and in the depression on the lateral aspect of m. trapezius.
Indications: Headache, nasal obstruction, sore throat, neck rigidity, pain in the shoulder and back.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.8 inch.
Vasculature: The occipital artery and vein.
Innervation: The great occipital nerve.6

BL-11
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Taodao (GV-13), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Headache, pain in the neck and back, pain and soreness in the scapular region, cough, fever, neck rigidity.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the first and second thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral cutaneous branches.

BL-12
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the GV Meridian, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Common cold, cough, fever and headache, neck rigidity, backache.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: Superficially, the medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the second and third thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral cutaneous branches.

BL-13
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Shenzhu (GV-12), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Cough, asthma, chest pain, spitting of blood, afternoon fever, night sweating.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 05-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the third and fourth thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-14
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Cough, cardiac pain, palpitation, stuffy chest, vomiting.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the fourth or fifth thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-15
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Shendao (GV-11), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Cardiac pain, panic, loss of memory, palpitation, cough, spitting of blood, nocturnal emission, night sweating, mania, epilepsy.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the fifth and sixth thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-16
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Lingtai (GV-10), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein, the descending branch of the transverse cervical artery.
Innervation: The dorsal scapular nerve, the medial cutaneous branches of the dorsal rami of the sixth and seventh thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-17
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Zhiyang (GV-9), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Vomiting, hiccup, belching, difficulty in swallowing, asthma, cough, spitting of blood, afternoon fever, night sweating, measles.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial branches of the posterior rami of the seventh and eighth thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-18
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Jinsuo (GV-8), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Jaundice, pain in the hypochondriac region, redness of the eye, blurring of vision, night blindness, mental disorders, epilepsy, backache, spitting of blood, epistaxis.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the ninth and tenth thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-19
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Zhongshu (GV-7), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Jaundice, bitter taste of the mouth, pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, pulmonary tuberculosis, afternoon fever.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.8 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Musculature: M. latissimus dorsi, the site between m. longissimus and m. ilio costalis.
Vasculature: The medial branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the tenth and eleventh thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-20
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Jizhong (GV-6), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Epigastric pain, abdominal distension, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, bloody stools, profuse menstruation, edema, anorexia, backache.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial branches of the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the eleventh and twelfth thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-21
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the Govern or Vessel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Pain in the chest and hypochondriac and epigastric regions, anorexia, abdominal distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.8 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The medial branches of the posterior branches of the subcostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branch of the posterior ramus of the twelfth thoracic nerve; deeper, its lateral branch.

BL-22
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Xuanshu (GV-5), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra.
Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal distension, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, edema, pain and stiffness of the lower back.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the first lumber artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral cutaneous branch of the posterior ramus of the tenth thoracic nerve; deeper, the lateral branch of the posterior ramus of the first lumbar nerve.

BL-23
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Mingmen (GV-4), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.
Indications: Nocturnal emission, impotence, enuresis, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, low back pain, weakness 1 of the knee, blurring of vision, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, edema, asthma, diarrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the second lumbar artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branch of the posterior ramus of the first lumbar nerve; deeper, its lateral branch.

BL-24
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the lower ” border of the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra.
Indications: Low back pain, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, asthma.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: The posterior branch of the third lumbar artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral cutaneous branch of the posterior ramus of the second lumbar nerve.

BL-25
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to Yaoyangguan (GV-3), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra.
Indications: Low back pain, borborygmus, abdominal distension, diarrhea, constipation, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities, sciatica.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branch of the fourth lumbar artery and vein.
Innervation: The posterior ramus of the third lumbar nerve.

BL-26
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra.
Indications: Low back pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, enuresis, sciatica, frequent urination.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the lowest lumbar artery and vein.
Innervation: The posterior ramus of the fifth lumbar nerve.

BL-27
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the first posterior sacral foramen.
Indications: Lower abdominal pain and distension, dysentery, nocturnal emission, hematuria, enuresis, morbid leukorrhea, lower back pain, sciatica.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the lateral sacral artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branch of the posterior ramus of the first sacral nerve.

BL-28
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the second posterior sacral foramen.
Indications: Retention of urine, enuresis, frequent urination, diarrhea, constipation, stiffness and pain of the lower back.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the lateral sacral artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branches of the posterior rami of the first and second sacral nerves.

BL-29
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the third posterior sacral foramen.
Indications: Dysentery, hernia, stiffness and pain of the lower back. Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the lateral sacral artery and vein, the branches of the inferior gluteal artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branches of the posterior rami of the third and fourth sacral nerves.

BL-30
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the fourth posterior sacral foramen.
Indications: Enuresis, pain due to hernia, morbid leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, cold sensation and pain of the lower back, dysuria, constipation, tenesmus, prolapse of the rectum.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches.
Vasculature: The inferior gluteal artery and vein; deeper, the internal pudendal artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branches of the posterior rami of the third and fourth sacral nerves, the inferior gluteal nerve.

BL-31
Location: On the sacrum, at the midpoint between the posteriosuperior iliac spine and the posterior midline, just at the first posterior sacral foramen.
Indications: Low back pain, dysuria, constipation, irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the lateral sacral artery and vein.
Innervation: At the site where the posterior ramus of the first sacral nerve passes.

BL-32
Location: On the sacrum, medial and inferior to the posteriosuperior iliac spine, just at the second posterior sacral foramen.
Indications: Low back pain, hernia, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, dysmenorrhea, nocturnal emission, impotence, enuresis, dysuria, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the lateral sacral artery and vein.
Innervation: The posterior ramus of the second sacral nerve.

BL-33
Location: On the sacrum, medial and inferior to Ciliao (BL-32), just at the third posterior sacral foramen.
Indications: Low back pain, constipation, diarrhea, dysuria, irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the lateral sacral artery and vein.
Innervation: On the course of the posterior ramus of the third sacral nerve.

BL-34
Location: On the sacrum, medial and inferior to Zhongliao (BL-33), just at the fourth posterior sacral foramen.
Indications: Low back pain, lower abdominal pain, dysuria, constipation, morbid leukorrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The branches of the inferior gluteal artery and vein.
Innervation: On the course of the posterior ramus of the fourth sacral nerve.

BL-35
Location: On the sacrum, 0.5 cun lateral to the tip of the coccyx.
Indications: Dysentery, bloody stools, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, impotence, morbid leukorrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The branches of the inferior gluteal artery and vein.
Innervation: The coccygeal nerve.

BL-36
Location: On the posterior side of the thigh, at the midpoint of the inferior gluteal crease.
Indications: Pain in the lower back and gluteal region, constipation, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.5 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The artery and vein running alongside the sciatic nerve.
Innervation: The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve; deeper, the sciatic nerve.

BL-37
Location: 6 cun below Chengfu (BL-36) on the line joining Chengfu (BL-36) and Weizhong (BL-40).
Indications: Pain in the lower back and thigh, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities, hemiplegia.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-2.0 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: Laterally, the third perforating branches of the deep femoral artery and vein.
Innervation: The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve; deeper, the sciatic nerve.7

BL-38
Location: 1 cun above Weiyang (BL-39) on the medial side of the tendon of m. biceps femoris. The point is located with the knee slightly flexed.
Indications: Numbness of the gluteal and femoral regions, contracture of the tendons in the popliteal fossa.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The superolateral genicular artery and vein.
Innervation: The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and the common peroneal nerve.

BL-39
Location: Lateral to Weizhong (BL-40), on the medial border of the tendon of m. biceps femoris.
Indications: Stiffness and pain of the lower back, distension and fullness of the lower abdomen, edema, dysuria, cramp of the leg and foot.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Fuxi (BL-38)

BL-40
Location: Midpoint of the transverse crease of the popliteal fossa, between the tendons of m. biceps femoris and m. semitendinosus.
Indications: Low back pain, motor impairment of the hip joint, contracture of the tendons in the popliteal fossa, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities, hemiplegia, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, erysipelas.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch, or prick the popliteal vein with three-edged needle to cause bleedmg.
Vasculature: Superficially, the femoro-popliteal vein; deeper and medially, the popliteal vein; deepest, the popliteal artery.
Innervation: The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, the tibial nerve.

BL-41
Location: 3 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra, on the spinal border of the scapula.
Indications: Stiffness and pain of the shoulder, back and neck, numbness of the elbow and arm.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The descending branch of the transverse cervical artery, the posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branches of the posterior rami of the first and second thoracic nerves; deeper, the dorsal scapular nerve.

BL-42
Location: 3 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra, on the spinal border of the scapula.
Indications: Pulmonary tuberculosis, hemoptysis, cough, asthma, neck rigidity, pain in the shoulder and back.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branch of the intercostal artery, the descending branch of the transverse cervical artery.
Innervation; The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the second and third thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches and the dorsoscapular nerve.

BL-43
Location: 3 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra, on the spinal border of the scapula.
Indications: Pulmonary tuberculosis, cough, asthma, spitting of blood, night sweating, poor memory, nocturnal emision.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branch of the intercostal artery and the descending branch of the transverse cervical artery.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the second and third thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches and the dorsoscapular nerve.

BL-44
Location: 3 cun lateral to Shendao (GV-11), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra, on the spinal border of the scapula.
Indications: Asthma, cardiac pain, palpitation, stuffy chest, cough, stiffness and pain of the back.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein, the descending branch of the transverse cervical artery.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the fourth and fifth thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches and the dorsoscapular nerve.

BL-45
Location: 3 cun lateral to Lingtai (GV-10), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra, on the spinal border of the scapula.
Indications: Cough, asthma, pain of the shoulder and back.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely downward 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the fifth and sixth thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-46
Location: 3 cun lateral to Zhiyang (GV-9), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra, approximately at the level of the inferior angle of the scapula.
Indications: Dysphagia, hiccup, vomiting, belching, pain and stiffness of the back.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the sixth and seventh thoracic nerves; deeper, their lateral branches.

BL-47
Location: 3 cun lateral to Jinsuo (GV-8), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, back pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein. Innervation: The lateral cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the seventh and eighth thoracic nerves.

BL-48
Location: 3 cun lateral to Zhongshu (GV-7), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pain in the hypochondriac region, jaundice.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein. Innervation: The lateral cutaneous branches of the posterior rami of the eighth and ninth thoracic nerves.

BL-49
Location: 3 cun lateral to Jizhong (GV-6), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Abdominal distension, borborygmus, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in swallowing.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branches of the posterior rami of the tenth and eleventh thoracic nerves.

BL-50
Location: 3 cun lateral to the Governor Vessel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra.
Indications: Abdominal distension, pain in the epigastric region and back, infantile indigestion.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the subcostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral cutaneous branches of the posterior ramus of the eleventh thoracic nerve.8

BL-51
Location: 3 cun lateral to Xuanshu (GV-5), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra.
Indications: Abdominal pain, constipation, abdominal mass.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the first lumbar artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branch of the posterior ramus of the twelfth thoracic nerve.

BL-52
Location: 3 cun lateral to Mingmen (GV-4), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.
Indications: Nocturnal emission, impotence, enuresis, frequency of urination, dysuria, irregular menstruation, pain in the back and knee, edema.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The posterior branches of the second lumbar artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral branch of the posterior ramus of the twelfth thoracic nerve and the lateral branch of the first lumbar nerve.

BL-53
Location: 3 cun lateral to the median sacral crest, at the level of the 2nd sacral posterior foramen.
Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal distension, pain in the lower back, anuria.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The superior gluteal artery and vein.
Innervation: The superior cluneal nerves; deeper, the superior gluteal nerve.

BL-54
Location: On the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 3 cun lateral to the median sacral crest.
Indications: Pain in the lumbosacral region, muscular atrophy, motor impairment of the lower extremities, dysuria, swelling around external genitalia, hemorrhoids, constipation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1.5-2.0 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The inferior gluteal artery and vein.
Innervation: The inferior gluteal nerve, the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and the sciatic nerve.

BL-55
Location: 2 cun directly below Weizhong (BL-40), between the medial and lateral heads of m. gastrocnemius, on the line joining Weizhong (BL-40) and Chengshan (BL-57).
Indications: Low back pain, pain and paralysis of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7- 1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The small saphenous vein; deeper, the popliteal artery and vem.
Innervation: The medial sural cutaneous nerve; deeper, the tibial nerve.

BL-56
Location: On the line connecting Weizhong (BL-40) and Chengshan (BL-57) in the centre of the belly of m. gastrocnemius, 5 cun below Weizhong (BL-40).
Indications: Spasm of the gastrocnemius, hemorrhoids, acute lower back pam.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The small saphenous vein; deeper, the posterior tibial artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial sural cutaneous nerve; deeper, the tibial nerve.

BL-57
Location: On the posterior midline of the leg, between Weizhong (BL-40) and Kunlun (BL-60), in a pointed depression formed below the gastrocnemius muscle belly when the leg is stretched or the heel is lifted.
Indications: Low back pain, spasm of the gastrocnemius, hemorrhoids, constipation, beriberi.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Chengjin (BL-56).

BL-58
Location: 7 cun directly above Kunlun (BL-60), on the posterior border of fibula, about 1 cun lateral and inferior to Chengshan (BL-57).
Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, back pain, hemorrhoids, weakness of the leg.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Inervation: The lateral sural cutaneous nerve.

BL-59
Location: 3 cun directly above Kunlun (BL-60).
Indications: Heavy sensation of the head, headache, low back pain, redness and swelling of the external malleolus, paralysis of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The small saphenous vein; deeper, the terminal branch of the peroneal artery.
Innervation: The sural nerve.

BL-60
Location: In the depression between the tip of the external malleolus and Achilles’ tendon.
Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, neck rigidity, epistaxis, pain in the shoulder, back and arm, swelling and pain of the heel, difficult labour, epilepsy.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The small saphenous vein, the posteroexternal malleolar artery and vein.
Innervation: The sural nerve.

BL-61
Location: Posterior and inferior to the external malleolus, directly below Kunlun (BL-60), lateral to calcaneum, at the junction of the red and white skin.
Indications: Muscular atrophy and weakness of the lower extremities, pain in the heel.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The external calcaneal branches of the peroneal artery and vein.
Innervation: The external calcaneal branch of the sural nerve.

BL-62
Location: In the depression directly below the external malleolus.
Indications: Epilepsy, mania, headache, dizziness, insomnia, backache, aching of the leg.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The external malleolar arterial network.
Innervation: The sural nerve.

BL-63
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, directly below the anterior border of the external malleolus, on the lower border of the cuboid bone.
Indications: Mania, epilepsy, infantile convulsion, backache, pain the external malleolus, motor impairment and pain of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The lateral plantar artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot; deeper, the lateral plantar nerve.

BL-64
Location: Below the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin.
Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, pain in the lower back and thigh, epilepsy.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Jinmen (BL-63).

BL-65
Location: Posterior to the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white skin.
Indications: Mania, headache, neck rigidity, blurring of vision, backache, pain in the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The fourth common plantar digital artery and vein.
Innervation: The fourth common plantar digital nerve and the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot.

BL-66
Location: Anterior to the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white skin.
Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, blurring of vision, epistaxis, mania.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.2-0.3 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: The plantar digital artery and vein.
Innervation: The plantar digital proprial nerve and the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot.

BL-67
Location: On the lateral side of the small toe, about 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.
Indications: Headache, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, ophthalmalgia, malposition of fetus, difficult labour, detention of after birth, feverish sensation in the sole.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture superficially 0.1 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The network formed by the dorsal digital artery and plantar digital proprial artery.
Innervation: The plantar digital proprial nerve and the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot.9

 

FLOWING ROUTES


This meridian originates from the inner canthus (Jingming, BL-1), ascends to the forehead, and joins the opposite meridian at the vertex (Baihui, GV-20). The branch emerging from the vertex reaches to the upper area of the ear.

The straight branch of the meridian leaving from the vertex turns back to the occipital bone and enters the cranial cavity to connect with the brain. Then, it reemerges and descends to the nape (Tianzhu, BL-10) and joins at Dazhui (GV-14). Along the medial side of the scapula and parallel to the vertebral column (l.5 cun lateral to the dorsal midline), it descends to the 1umbar region (Shenshu, BL-23) and enters the abdominal cavity from the deep layers of muscles along the lumbar region to link with the kidney and pertains to the urinary bladder. The branch stemming from the lumbar region runs downwards parallel to the spine. Passing through the buttocks, it descends along the posterior border of the lateral side of the thigh into the popliteal fossa (Weizhong, BL-40).10

The branch emerging from the nape runs downwards along the medial border of the scapula. From Fufen (BL-41), it runs alongside the region 3 cun lateral to the spine and reaches the hip joint. From there, it goes downwards along the lateral aspect of the thigh and meets the previous branch from the loin in the popliteal fossa. Then it descends through the gastrocnemius, reaching the posterior aspect of the external malleolus (Kunlun, BL-60), where it runs along the lateral side of the foot dorsum to the lateral side of the tip of the little toe (Zhiyin, BL-67) to connect with shaoyin kidney meridian of the foot.11

Footnotes

  1. What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine – sciencebasedmedicine.org – 2012, https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/what-is-traditional-chinese-medicine/
  2. Advanced Pressure Point Fighting of Ryukyu Kempo – A Dillman Karate International Book – 1994, https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Pressure-Point-Fighting-Ryukyu/dp/0963199633/
  3. Acupuncture points of the bladder meridian of the foot – cnacupuncture.com – 2017, http://www.cnacupuncture.com/points-of-the-bladder-meridian-of-foot-taiyang.html
  4. The foundations of chinese medicine: a comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists – Black Dog & Elsevier Churchill Livingstone – 2005, https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Chinese-Medicine-Comprehensive-Acupuncturists/dp/0443074895
  5. Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion – Foreign Languages Press – 1987, https://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Acupuncture-Moxibustion-Seventeenth-Printing/dp/7119059947/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493125663&sr=1-1
  6. Acupuncture points of the BL meridian- cnacupuncture.com – 2017, http://www.cnacupuncture.com/points-of-the-bladder-meridian-of-foot-taiyang.html
  7. Acupuncture points of the BL meridian- cnacupuncture.com – 2017, http://www.cnacupuncture.com/points-of-the-bladder-meridian-of-foot-taiyang.html
  8. Acupuncture points of the BL meridian- cnacupuncture.com – 2017, http://www.cnacupuncture.com/points-of-the-bladder-meridian-of-foot-taiyang.html
  9. Acupuncture points of the BL meridian- cnacupuncture.com – 2017, http://www.cnacupuncture.com/points-of-the-bladder-meridian-of-foot-taiyang.html
  10. Bladder meridian of the foot – tcmwiki.com – 2017, https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/taiyang-bladder-meridian-of-foot
  11. Bladder meridian of the foot – tcmwiki.com – 2017, https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/taiyang-bladder-meridian-of-foot