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Bladder Channel — Teaching Deck (49 points)

BL-1

Jingming "Eye Brightness"
Bladder ChannelPoint of the Yin & Yang Stepping VesselsMeeting Point (Bladder • Small Intestine • Stomach • Gall Bladder • Triple Burner)

Location

Location of BL-1 (Jingming)

Actions

  • Expels Wind
  • Clears Heat
  • Stops itching
  • Brightens the eyes
Key point: The literal meeting point of the Yin and Yang Stepping Vessels — makes it uniquely useful (paired with KI-6/BL-62) for insomnia or somnolence caused by an imbalance of Yin and Yang Qi reaching the eyes.

Indications

Exterior / Head

Lacrimation on exposure to wind, aversion to cold, fever, headache.

Eyes

Redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, itching of the inner canthus, blurred vision, diminished night vision, myopia.

Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

  • For insomnia: reinforce KI-6, reduce BL-62, needle BL-1 with even method; reverse for somnolence.
  • A convergence point of nearly every Yang channel (like Du-14) - useful broadly for red, swollen, painful eyes.

BL-2

Zanzhu "Gathered Bamboo"
Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

Location

Location of BL-2 (Zanzhu)

Actions

  • Expels Wind
  • Clears Heat
  • Brightens the eyes
  • Subdues Liver-Yang
Key point: A local eye point that also subdues Liver-Yang specifically in relation to the eyes and headaches — useful for any Liver-pattern eye problem (floaters, red eyes, blurred vision, headaches behind the eyes).

Indications

Eyes

Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, itching, epilepsy, twitching of eyelids, excessive lacrimation, blurred vision, diminished night vision.

Head

Headache, dizziness, pain in the eyebrow, nosebleed, facial or cheek pain.

Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

  • Also treats facial paralysis, facial tics and trigeminal neuralgia via its Wind-expelling action.

BL-5

Wuchu "Five Places"
Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

Location

Location of BL-5 (Wuchu)

Actions

  • Extinguishes interior Wind and subdues Liver-Qi
Key point: A local point to extinguish interior Wind affecting the Governing Vessel — epilepsy, convulsions, spinal rigidity in febrile children.

Indications

Neurological

Rigidity of the spine, opisthotonos, epilepsy, tetany, vertigo, headache, dizziness, pain in the eye.

Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

  • Also used as a local point for headaches from Liver-Yang rising.

BL-7

Tongtian "Penetrating Heaven"
Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

Location

Location of BL-7 (Tongtian)

Actions

  • Extinguishes Wind and subdues Liver-Yang
  • Benefits the nose
Key point: An important local point for vertex headaches from Liver-Yang or Liver-Wind rising, as well as from Liver-Blood deficiency.

Indications

Head

Headache, deviation of eye and mouth, stiff neck, heaviness of the head, loss of consciousness.

Nasal

Nasal congestion and discharge, loss of sense of smell, nosebleed, nasal sores.

Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

  • Also used in rhinitis to clear the nose.

BL-9

Yuzhen "Jade Pillow"
Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

Location

Location of BL-9 (Yuzhen)

Actions

  • Subdues Liver-Yang
  • Brightens the eyes
  • Expels exterior Wind
  • Extinguishes interior Wind
  • Opens the Mind's orifices
Key point: A local point for headaches from Liver-Yang rising specifically when accompanied by pronounced neck stiffness and ache.

Indications

Head

Occipital headache, dizziness, neck pain with inability to turn the head, heaviness of the head, red face.

Other

Eye pain, myopia, aversion to cold, fever, body aches, epilepsy, loss of consciousness, manic behaviour.

Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

    BL-10

    Tianzhu "Heaven Pillar"
    Bladder ChannelWindow of Heaven Point

    Location

    Location of BL-10 (Tianzhu)

    Actions

    • Extinguishes Wind and subdues Liver-Yang
    • Expels exterior Wind
    • Strengthens the Greater Yang channels
    • Clears the brain
    • Opens the sense orifices
    • Removes obstructions from the channel
    Key point: A Window of Heaven point sitting at the “hinge” of the occiput — treats both Excess-Yang-above conditions (occipital headache, epilepsy, mania) and Deficient-Yang-below conditions (weak legs unable to support the body) from the same gate-like mechanism.

    Indications

    Head

    Dizziness, stiffness of the neck, headache, heaviness of the head, epilepsy.

    Constitutional

    Aversion to cold, fever, body aches, weak legs unable to sustain the body.

    Mental

    Mental confusion, poor memory, manic behaviour, incessant talking.

    Other

    Eye pain, red eyes, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, nasal congestion, pain in the body, shoulder and back.

    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

    • A major point for occipital or vertex headache of any origin; clears the brain and stimulates memory and concentration.
    • Special effect on eyesight, especially when diminished from Kidney deficiency.
    • Distal point for bilateral acute lower backache - needle with reducing method while the standing patient gently bends forwards and backwards.

    BL-11

    Dazhu "Big Shuttle"
    Bladder ChannelPoint of the Sea of BloodGathering (Hui) Point — BonesMeeting Point (Bladder • Small Intestine • Triple Burner • Gall Bladder)

    Location

    Location of BL-11 (Dazhu)

    Actions

    • Nourishes Blood
    • Expels exterior Wind
    • Subdues Liver-Yang
    • Strengthens bones
    • Restores the descending of Lung-Qi
    Key point: The uppermost and most senior of the Back-Shu points (alternate name “Dashu”, “Big Back-Transporting point”) — nourishes Blood specifically at the body's surface, which is why it both prevents Wind invasion and treats bone disease as the Gathering point for Bones.

    Indications

    Blood

    Blood diseases, anaemia.

    Exterior

    Aversion to cold, fever, invasions of Wind, chronic rhinitis, propensity to catching colds.

    Head

    Headache, dizziness, blurred vision.

    Musculoskeletal

    Bone diseases, rigidity of neck and spine, back and scapula pain, lower backache, inability to stand for long periods.

    Respiratory

    Cough, fullness of the chest, breathlessness.

    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

    • Needle with reinforcing method or direct moxa to tonify Blood; needle with reducing method or cup to expel exterior Wind - opposite technique for opposite goal.
    • Alternate name “Bailao” (“100 fatigues”) reflects its tonifying use in chronic Blood/Yin deficiency with exhaustion.

    BL-12

    Fengmen "Wind Door"
    Bladder ChannelMeeting Point (Bladder • Governing Vessel)

    Location

    Location of BL-12 (Fengmen)

    Actions

    • Expels external Wind
    • Regulates Nutritive and Defensive Qi and consolidates the space between skin and muscles
    • Stimulates the diffusing and descending of Lung-Qi
    • Strengthens the back
    • Benefits the nose
    Key point: The main point for the very beginning stage of any exterior Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invasion — reduce or cup for maximum effect.

    Indications

    Exterior

    Aversion to cold, fever, occipital headache and stiff neck from Wind invasion.

    Respiratory

    Cough, coughing of blood, breathlessness, sneezing, allergic rhinitis.

    Other

    Lumbar pain, stiff neck, urticaria or carbuncles on the back, nasal discharge or congestion.

    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

    • Also consolidates a “too relaxed” space between skin and muscles (weak Defensive Qi, propensity to catching colds) - combine with BL-13, ST-36 and Ren-6 (reinforcing) for chronic allergic rhinitis.
    • A local point for skin disease of the back.

    BL-13

    Feishu "Lung Back Transporting Point"
    Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Lungs

    Location

    Location of BL-13 (Feishu)

    Actions

    • Stimulates the diffusing and descending of Lung-Qi
    • Expels external Wind
    • Regulates Nutritive and Defensive Qi
    • Tonifies Lung-Qi and nourishes Lung-Yin
    • Clears Heat
    • Calms the Mind
    Key point: Works in both exterior (releases the Exterior, especially with cough) and interior Lung patterns (chronic Qi/Yin deficiency, acute Heat) — reinforced or with moxa to tonify Lung-Qi (combine Du-12), or combined with BL-43 to nourish Lung-Yin.

    Indications

    Respiratory

    Cough, wheezing, breathlessness, fullness of the chest, chest pain, expectoration of phlegm.

    Exterior

    Aversion to cold, fever, cough, sneezing.

    Deficiency

    Lung-Qi deficiency, consumption, “steaming bones”, night sweating, fever from Yin deficiency, dry mouth and throat.

    Other

    Lung abscess, rapid pulse, fever, manic behaviour, desire to commit suicide.

    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

    • The classical indication “desire to commit suicide” relates to the Corporeal Soul (Po) housed in the Lungs - BL-42 Pohu (same level, outer line) shares this indication.

    BL-14

    Jueyinshu "Terminal Yin Back Transporting Point"
    Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Pericardium

    Location

    Location of BL-14 (Jueyinshu)

    Actions

    • Regulates the Heart
    • Opens the chest
    • Stops pain
    Key point: Used for Heart conditions (arrhythmia, angina) via its Pericardium (the Heart's protector) association — strongly moves Qi and Blood, relieving chest pain and mental restlessness from stagnation.

    Indications

    Heart

    Heart pain, palpitations, agitation, mental restlessness.

    Chest

    Cough, breathlessness, feeling of fullness of the chest, chest pain.

    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

      BL-15

      Xinshu "Heart Back Transporting Point"
      Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Heart

      Location

      Location of BL-15 (Xinshu)

      Actions

      • Calms the Mind
      • Nourishes the Heart
      • Stimulates the brain
      • Clears Heat
      • Regulates Heart-Qi and invigorates Blood
      Key point: Calms the Mind for both Excess (Heart-Fire/Empty-Heat, reduce) and Deficient (nourish Heart, reinforce/moxa) Heart patterns — reinforced or with direct moxa, it also stimulates the brain (memory, concentration, child development).

      Indications

      Mental

      Anxiety, weeping, fright, insomnia, excessive dreaming, manic depression, disorientation, poor memory and concentration.

      Heart

      Heart pain, fullness of the chest, chest pain, palpitations, irregular pulse.

      Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

      • Also moves Qi and invigorates Blood - used for chest pain from Blood stasis.

      BL-16

      Dushu "Governing Vessel Back Transporting Point"
      Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Governing Vessel

      Location

      Location of BL-16 (Dushu)

      Actions

      • Regulates the Heart
      • Moves Qi and invigorates Blood
      Key point: Mainly used for Heart-Blood-stasis heart and chest pain.

      Indications

      Heart / Digestive

      Heart pain, epigastric pain, abdominal distension, breast abscess.

      Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

        BL-17

        Geshu "Diaphragm Back Transporting Point"
        Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — DiaphragmGathering (Hui) Point — Blood

        Location

        Location of BL-17 (Geshu)

        Actions

        • Invigorates Blood
        • Cools Blood
        • Stops bleeding
        • Nourishes Blood
        • Opens the chest and diaphragm
        • Subdues rebellious Qi
        • Benefits the sinews
        • Tonifies Qi and Blood
        Key point: The master point for Blood in all four directions — invigorate (reduce/even method, no moxa), cool, nourish (direct moxa), or stop bleeding — the technique chosen determines which action dominates.

        Indications

        Heart / Chest

        Heart pain, stabbing chest pain.

        Bleeding

        Coughing of blood, vomiting of blood, nosebleed.

        Digestive

        Epigastric pain, vomiting, hiccup, difficult digestion, sour regurgitation.

        Musculoskeletal

        Bi Syndrome of the whole body, generalized pain, swelling and distension.

        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

        • Combine with the relevant organ's Back-Shu to target stasis or deficiency there - e.g. with BL-18 for Liver-Blood, BL-15 for Heart-Blood, BL-20 to promote the Spleen's Blood-making function.
        • With SP-10: BL-17 targets Blood stasis in the upper body, SP-10 the lower body.
        • Stops “upward” bleeding (coughing/vomiting blood, epistaxis) via subduing rebellious Qi.
        • “Four Flowers” combination (with BL-19) and “Magnificent Six” combination (with BL-18 and BL-20), both with direct moxa, tonify Qi and Blood generally.

        BL-18

        Ganshu "Liver Back Transporting Point"
        Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Liver

        Location

        Location of BL-18 (Ganshu)

        Actions

        • Resolves Damp-Heat
        • Clears Heat
        • Moves Liver-Qi and eliminates stagnation
        • Brightens the eyes
        • Benefits the sinews
        • Extinguishes Wind
        • Nourishes Liver-Blood
        • Invigorates Liver-Blood
        • Stops bleeding
        Key point: Usable across virtually the entire range of Liver patterns — Qi stagnation, Damp-Heat, Fire, Blood stasis, and Blood deficiency — the technique (reducing vs. reinforcing/moxa) determines which.

        Indications

        Digestive

        Jaundice, distension and pain of the hypochondrium, epigastric, abdominal and hypogastric pain.

        Eyes

        Blurred vision, red eyes, diminished night vision, excessive lacrimation, itching, pain in the upper orbit.

        Musculoskeletal

        Lumbar pain, neck and shoulder pain, muscle cramps, rigidity of neck and spine, lockjaw, opisthotonos, tetany.

        Other

        Dizziness, abdominal masses, coughing blood, vomiting blood, nosebleed.

        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

        • Reducing method also extinguishes interior Wind.
        • Promotes vision in any Liver-related eye disorder - poor night vision, floaters, red/painful/swollen eyes.

        BL-19

        Danshu "Gall Bladder Back Transporting Point"
        Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Gall Bladder

        Location

        Location of BL-19 (Danshu)

        Actions

        • Resolves Damp-Heat in Liver and Gall Bladder
        • Subdues rebellious Qi
        • Tonifies Gall Bladder Qi
        • Regulates the Lesser Yang
        • Tonifies Deficiency
        Key point: The main point to resolve Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gall Bladder (cholecystitis, jaundice) and to clear the Lesser Yang stage or Gall-Bladder-Heat pattern.

        Indications

        Digestive

        Jaundice, yellow sclera, bitter taste, chest and hypochondrial distension and pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, retching.

        Mental

        Timidity, dithering, depression, palpitations.

        Other

        Alternating heat and cold, dry throat, blurred vision, night sweating.

        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

          BL-20

          Pishu "Spleen Back Transporting Point"
          Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Spleen

          Location

          Location of BL-20 (Pishu)

          Actions

          • Tonifies Spleen and Stomach
          • Resolves Dampness
          • Regulates the Intestines
          • Lifts Spleen-Qi and stops bleeding
          • Nourishes Blood
          Key point: One of the most important Back-Shu points — the primary tonic for Spleen-Qi, and by extension Blood (the Spleen makes Blood), Dampness/Phlegm resolution, and sinking-Qi conditions like prolapse, all at once.

          Indications

          Digestive

          Poor appetite, tiredness, loose stools, weak limbs, abdominal distension, borborygmi, diarrhoea, undigested food in the stools.

          Dampness

          Fullness, heaviness, sticky taste, jaundice.

          Sinking Qi

          Prolapse of stomach or uterus, bearing-down feeling in the lower abdomen.

          Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

          • Combine with BL-21 for full tonification of the Root of Post-Heaven Qi in chronic exhaustion.
          • Combine with BL-23 to nourish Blood.
          • Stops bleeding from Spleen-Qi not holding Blood - combine with BL-23 for excessive menstrual bleeding.

          BL-21

          Weishu "Stomach Back Transporting Point"
          Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Stomach

          Location

          Location of BL-21 (Weishu)

          Actions

          • Subdues rebellious Stomach-Qi
          • Tonifies the Stomach
          • Resolves Dampness
          Key point: The Stomach-Qi counterpart to BL-20 — where BL-20 raises Spleen-Qi, BL-21 specifically subdues (descends) Stomach-Qi, hence its use for belching, hiccup, nausea and vomiting.

          Indications

          Digestive

          Epigastric pain, distension and fullness, vomiting, sour regurgitation.

          Deficiency

          Thin body, lack of appetite, tiredness, weak limbs.

          Other

          Oedema, jaundice.

          Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

          • Reducing method also relieves retention of food in the Stomach.

          BL-22

          Sanjiaoshu "Triple Burner Back Transporting Point"
          Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Triple Burner

          Location

          Location of BL-22 (Sanjiaoshu)

          Actions

          • Resolves Dampness
          • Opens the Water passages in the Lower Burner
          • Invigorates Blood
          • Regulates the Lesser Yang
          Key point: Regulates the Original Qi's (Yuan Qi) pathway out of the Kidneys via the Triple Burner — sits right above BL-23 (the Kidney Shu point), reflecting this role.

          Indications

          Fluid / Urinary

          Oedema, difficult urination, turbid urine, blood in the urine.

          Other

          Abdominal masses, alternating heat and cold, headaches, dizziness, bitter taste.

          Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

          • Opens Lower Burner Water passages - urinary retention, oedema of the legs.
          • Also treats the Lesser Yang pattern.
          • Can affect headache and dizziness too - an unusual “upward” reach for a Lower Burner point.

          BL-23

          Shenshu "Kidney Back Transporting Point"
          Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Kidneys

          Location

          Location of BL-23 (Shenshu)

          Actions

          • Tonifies the Kidneys and nourishes the Kidney-Essence
          • Consolidates Kidney-Qi
          • Strengthens the lower back
          • Nourishes Blood
          • Benefits bones and Marrow
          • Resolves Dampness and benefits urination
          • Strengthens the Kidney's reception of Qi
          • Strengthens the Uterus and the Directing, Governing and Penetrating Vessels
          • Brightens the eyes
          • Benefits the ears
          Key point: The main point to tonify every aspect of the Kidneys — Yin, Yang, Essence, Qi, and the Kidney's reception of Qi — the technique used (moxa vs. plain needling) determines whether Yang or Yin predominates.

          Indications

          Constitutional

          Tiredness, exhaustion, lack of will-power, depression, impotence, lack of sexual desire, seminal or nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation.

          Musculoskeletal

          Lower backache, cold back, weak and cold knees, bone disease, osteoporosis.

          Urinary

          Oedema, difficult urination, nocturnal enuresis, incontinence, frequent urination, nocturia, blood in the urine.

          Other

          Chronic asthma from Kidney deficiency, menstrual irregularities, infertility, blurred vision, tinnitus, deafness.

          Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

          • With BL-52: powerfully lifts depression and lack of willpower (the Kidneys house the Zhi).
          • With BL-20: nourishes Blood.
          • An essential point for chronic lower backache.
          • With BL-28 and SP-9 (reducing): resolves Damp-Heat and treats urinary stones - the Kidneys can have Excess patterns too, contrary to a common claim otherwise.
          • Strengthens the Uterus and Directing/Governing/Penetrating Vessels for menstrual regulation - combine with BL-20 for menorrhagia from Spleen and Kidney deficiency.
          • Treats chronic (not acute) ear and eye problems from Kidney deficiency.

          BL-24

          Qihaishu "Sea of Qi Back Transporting Point"
          Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

          Location

          Location of BL-24 (Qihaishu)

          Actions

          • Strengthens the lower back
          • Regulates menstruation
          • Invigorates Blood
          Key point: A secondary but frequently-used local point for lower backache; also invigorates Blood for uterine bleeding and irregular menstruation.

          Indications

          Musculoskeletal

          Lower backache, stiffness of the lower back, Bi Syndrome of the legs.

          Gynaecological

          Painful periods, irregular periods, leukorrhoea.

          Other

          Haemorrhoids, blood in the stools.

          Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

            BL-25

            Dachangshu "Large Intestine Back Transporting Point"
            Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Large Intestine

            Location

            Location of BL-25 (Dachangshu)

            Actions

            • Promotes the function of the Large Intestine
            • Strengthens the lower back
            Key point: Treats both constipation and diarrhoea (regulates the Large Intestine's excretory function in either direction), plus a major local lower-backache point.

            Indications

            Digestive

            Borborygmi, diarrhoea, undigested food in the stools, difficult evacuation, constipation, prolapse of rectum, abdominal distension and pain.

            Musculoskeletal

            Lower backache, stiffness of lower back, Bi Syndrome of the legs.

            Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

            • Combine with BL-20 for diarrhoea.

            BL-26

            Guanyuanshu "Origin Gate Back Transporting Point"
            Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

            Location

            Location of BL-26 (Guanyuanshu)

            Actions

            • Strengthens the lower back
            • Moves Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner
            • Benefits urination
            Key point: The author's personal most-effective point for lower backache (bilateral or unilateral), almost always tender - it sits close to the sacroiliac joint.

            Indications

            Musculoskeletal

            Lower backache, sciatica, pain in the buttocks, weakness or stiffness of the lower back.

            Digestive / Urinary

            Abdominal distension and pain, abdominal masses, enuresis, frequent or difficult urination.

            Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

            • Combine with BL-23 and the extra point Shiqizhuixia.

            BL-27

            Xiaochangshu "Small Intestine Back Transporting Point"
            Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Small Intestine

            Location

            Location of BL-27 (Xiaochangshu)

            Actions

            • Promotes the function of the Small Intestine
            • Resolves Dampness
            • Benefits urination
            Key point: Reflects the Small Intestine's core role of separating “clean” fluid (to the Bladder, as urine) from “dirty” fluid (to the Large Intestine) — treats both bowel and urinary symptoms from this single mechanism.

            Indications

            Digestive

            Diarrhoea, blood and mucus in the stools, constipation, difficult evacuation, abdominal pain.

            Urinary

            Dark urine, enuresis, retention of urine, difficult urination, blood in the urine.

            Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

              BL-28

              Pangguangshu "Bladder Back Transporting Point"
              Bladder ChannelBack Transporting (Shu) Point — Bladder

              Location

              Location of BL-28 (Pangguangshu)

              Actions

              • Regulates the Bladder
              • Resolves Dampness in the Lower Burner
              • Eliminates stagnation and dissolves masses
              • Opens the Water passages in the Lower Burner
              • Strengthens the lower back
              Key point: The primary urinary point on this line — combined with BL-23 and SP-9 to expel renal or urinary stones.

              Indications

              Urinary

              Difficult urination, dark urine, retention of urine, enuresis, turbid urine.

              Genital

              Swelling of external genitalia, ulcers or itching in genitals.

              Other

              Abdominal pain, abdominal masses, constipation, sacral stiffness and pain, lower backache, sciatica.

              Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

              • Combine with BL-20 to promote Lower Burner fluid transformation and diuresis.
              • Combine with BL-23 for buttock pain and sciatica.

              BL-30

              Baihuanshu "White Ring Transporting Point"
              Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

              Location

              Location of BL-30 (Baihuanshu)

              Actions

              • Benefits the anus
              • Strengthens the lower back and legs
              • Regulates menstruation
              • Firms Qi
              Key point: The point named for and dedicated to anal problems — haemorrhoids, prolapse, spasm, incontinence of faeces.

              Indications

              Anal

              Itchy anus, prolapse of anus or rectum, haemorrhoids, difficult defecation.

              Other

              Pain in the lower back and sacrum, irregular or painful periods, seminal emissions, leukorrhoea.

              Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                BL-32

                Ciliao "Second Crevice"
                Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

                Location

                Location of BL-32 (Ciliao)

                Actions

                • Benefits urination and defecation
                • Regulates menstruation and resolves Dampness
                • Strengthens the lower back
                Key point: The most important of the “Four Crevice” points (BL-31/32/33/34) — broadest indications, most tonifying to the Kidneys and Essence, and the author's point of choice for female infertility.

                Indications

                Urinary / Digestive

                Painful urination, retention of urine, enuresis, difficulty urinating or defecating, constipation, borborygmi, diarrhoea.

                Gynaecological

                Leukorrhoea, painful periods, irregular periods, infertility, labour pain.

                Musculoskeletal

                Lower backache, sacral pain radiating to genitals, sciatica.

                Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                • Used for painful periods when the pain is centred on the sacrum.
                • Stimulates the ascending of Qi for prolapse of the anus or uterus.

                BL-36

                Chengfu "Receiving Support"
                Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

                Location

                Location of BL-36 (Chengfu)

                Actions

                • Removes obstructions from the channel
                • Treats haemorrhoids
                Key point: A local sciatica point — needle to obtain radiation of sensation down the leg.

                Indications

                Musculoskeletal

                Sciatica, lower backache, sacral pain.

                Other

                Chronic or bleeding haemorrhoids.

                Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                • BL-57 and BL-58 are more frequently used for haemorrhoids despite this point sharing the indication.

                BL-37

                Yinmen "Huge Gate"
                Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

                Location

                Location of BL-37 (Yinmen)

                Actions

                • Benefits the lower back
                Key point: Another local distal point for leg-radiating back pain — especially effective with a gently-heated moxa stick.

                Indications

                Musculoskeletal

                Lower backache, sacral pain, sciatica.

                Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                  BL-39

                  Weiyang "Supporting Yang"
                  Bladder ChannelLower Sea Point — Lower Burner (Triple Burner)

                  Location

                  Location of BL-39 (Weiyang)

                  Actions

                  • Opens the Water passages in the Lower Burner
                  • Stimulates the transformation and excretion of fluids in the Lower Burner
                  • Benefits the Bladder
                  Key point: Regulates Lower-Burner fluid excretion — the technique flips with the pattern: reduce for Excess/retention, reinforce for Deficient/incontinence, same point, opposite techniques, opposite outcomes.

                  Indications

                  Fluid / Urinary

                  Oedema in the lower body, difficult urination, retention of urine, painful urination, enuresis.

                  Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                    BL-40

                    Weizhong "Supporting Middle"
                    Bladder ChannelSea (He) PointEarth PointMa Dan Yang Heavenly Star Point

                    Location

                    Location of BL-40 (Weizhong)

                    Actions

                    • Clears Heat and cools Blood
                    • Removes obstructions from the channel
                    • Clears Summer-Heat
                    Key point: One of the major distal points for backache — but specifically better for acute, Excess-type, bilateral-or-unilateral (never midline) pain; not for weak, Cold, Deficient patients (use BL-60 instead, since BL-40 tends to reduce and cool Blood).

                    Indications

                    Musculoskeletal

                    Lower backache, sciatica, stiffness of the lower back, knee pain.

                    Heat

                    Injury by Summer-Heat, fever, aversion to cold, sweating, headache, irritability, thirst.

                    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                    • Also cools Blood - used in skin diseases characterized by Heat in the Blood.
                    • Clears Summer-Heat - acute summertime fever, delirium, red skin rash.

                    BL-42

                    Pohu "Door of the Corporeal Soul"
                    Bladder ChannelOuter Bladder-Line Point — corresponds to BL-13 (Lungs)

                    Location

                    Location of BL-42 (Pohu)

                    Actions

                    • Tonifies the Lungs
                    • Soothes the Corporeal Soul (Po)
                    • Stimulates the descending of Lung-Qi
                    Key point: Roots and strengthens the Corporeal Soul (Po), the Lung-housed aspect of the psyche — frees breathing constricted by grief, sadness or worry, and (like BL-13) is classically indicated for suicidal thoughts, reflecting the Po's association with Gui (spirits) and its centripetal, death-adjacent nature.

                    Indications

                    Respiratory

                    Consumption, dry cough, cough, wheezing, breathlessness.

                    Mental

                    Sadness, grief, feeling of oppression of the chest, depression, suicidal thoughts.

                    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                    • Also a frequently-tender local point for upper back and shoulder Bi Syndrome.

                    BL-43

                    Gaohuangshu "Transporting Point of Gaohuang"
                    Bladder ChannelOuter Bladder-Line Point — corresponds to BL-14 (Pericardium)

                    Location

                    Location of BL-43 (Gaohuangshu)

                    Actions

                    • Nourishes Lung-Yin
                    • Nourishes the Heart
                    • Nourishes the Essence
                    • Tonifies the Stomach and Spleen
                    Key point: Named for the “Gaohuang” region (between heart and diaphragm), classically the seat of the most chronic, hardest-to-treat diseases — a whole-body tonic for profound debility after chronic illness, treated with direct moxa cones.

                    Indications

                    Respiratory

                    Dry cough, wheezing, coughing of blood, exhaustion, night sweating, consumption, weight loss.

                    Mental

                    Poor memory, palpitations, insomnia, dizziness.

                    Reproductive / Digestive

                    Seminal or nocturnal emissions, impotence, Deficiency of Stomach and Spleen, undigested food in the stools, weak limbs.

                    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                    • Nourishes the Essence - used for Kidney deficiency with nocturnal emissions, low sexual energy or poor memory.
                    • Nourishes Lung-Yin for a chronic dry cough after chronic Lung disease - needled only, no moxa for this specific use.
                    • Invigorates the Mind by nourishing the Heart and Essence together.

                    BL-44

                    Shentang "Mind Hall"
                    Bladder ChannelOuter Bladder-Line Point — corresponds to BL-15 (Heart)

                    Location

                    Location of BL-44 (Shentang)

                    Actions

                    • Calms the Mind
                    • Subdues rebellious Qi
                    Key point: Best used together with BL-15 for anxiety, insomnia and depression; if retained over 15 minutes, specifically calms the Mind and clears Heart-Fire.

                    Indications

                    Mental

                    Depression, insomnia, anxiety, mental restlessness, sadness, grief, worry.

                    Respiratory

                    Cough, wheezing, breathlessness, difficulty swallowing, fullness of the chest.

                    Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                      BL-47

                      Hunmen "Door of the Ethereal Soul"
                      Bladder ChannelOuter Bladder-Line Point — corresponds to BL-18 (Liver)

                      Location

                      Location of BL-47 (Hunmen)

                      Actions

                      • Regulates Liver-Qi and benefits the sinews
                      • Roots the Ethereal Soul (Hun)
                      Key point: Roots the Ethereal Soul (Hun) in the Liver — strengthens a person's capacity for life-planning, sense of direction and purpose, while also (as a “door”) regulating its comings and goings: relationships, engagement with the world.

                      Indications

                      Musculoskeletal

                      Costal or hypochondrial pain, fullness of the chest, contracture of sinews.

                      Mental

                      Fear, depression, insomnia, excessive dreaming, lack of sense of direction in life.

                      Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                      • Combined with BL-18, has a profound effect on a person's capacity for life-direction and purpose, and lifts depression.
                      • Treats a vague, night-time feeling of fear from severe Yin deficiency.
                      • Can also calm excessive movement of the Ethereal Soul - mild mania, mental confusion.
                      • Physically treats stagnant Liver-Qi insulting the Lungs, as in some types of asthma.

                      BL-49

                      Yishe "Intellect Abode"
                      Bladder ChannelOuter Bladder-Line Point — corresponds to BL-20 (Spleen)

                      Location

                      Location of BL-49 (Yishe)

                      Actions

                      • Resolves Damp-Heat
                      • Benefits the Intellect (Yi)
                      Key point: Strengthens the Intellect (Yi), the Spleen-housed aspect of mental activity — relieves obsessive thought, brooding, worry and pensiveness, the “pathological” form of the Spleen's own memorization and concentration function.

                      Indications

                      Digestive

                      Abdominal fullness, hypochondrial distension, diarrhoea, vomiting, feeling of heat, yellow sclera and complexion.

                      Mental

                      Poor memory, poor concentration, worry, pensiveness, obsessive thinking.

                      Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                      • With direct moxa: dries Spleen Dampness and tonifies the Lungs (Earth generates Metal).

                      BL-51

                      Huangmen "Door of Gaohuang"
                      Bladder ChannelOuter Bladder-Line Point — corresponds to BL-22 (Triple Burner)

                      Location

                      Location of BL-51 (Huangmen)

                      Actions

                      • Regulates the Triple Burner
                      • Ensures the smooth spread of Triple Burner Qi to the heart region
                      • Benefits the breasts
                      Key point: Despite corresponding to the Triple Burner's Lower-Burner Shu point, BL-51 treats upper-body conditions instead — the “Gaohuang” region below the Heart, and breast disease in women — an example of how outer-line points don't always mirror their inner-line partner's territory.

                      Indications

                      Chest

                      Fullness and hardness below the heart.

                      Breast

                      Breast disease, fullness, distension and pain of the breasts, breast lumps.

                      Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                        BL-52

                        Zhishi "Room of Will-Power"
                        Bladder ChannelOuter Bladder-Line Point — corresponds to BL-23 (Kidney)

                        Location

                        Location of BL-52 (Zhishi)

                        Actions

                        • Tonifies the Kidneys and the Essence
                        • Benefits urination
                        • Strengthens the back
                        • Strengthens will-power
                        Key point: Strengthens Will-Power (Zhi), the Kidney-housed aspect of the psyche — the key point for depression characterized specifically by lack of motivation, drive, and willpower to escape the depressive spiral.

                        Indications

                        Constitutional

                        Exhaustion, dizziness, tinnitus, backache, weak sexual function, impotence, infertility, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emissions.

                        Urinary

                        Difficult or dribbling urination.

                        Mental

                        Depression, lack of motivation, lack of drive, lack of will-power.

                        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                        • Combine with BL-23 for reinforced Kidney tonification - impotence, infertility, premature ejaculation.
                        • The “Five Spirit points” (BL-42 Po, BL-44 Shen, BL-47 Hun, BL-49 Yi, BL-52 Zhi) together form a complete mental-emotional foundation, echoing a classical house metaphor (hall, room, abode, door, window).

                        BL-53

                        Baohuang "Bladder Vitals"
                        Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

                        Location

                        Location of BL-53 (Baohuang)

                        Actions

                        • Opens the Water passages in the Lower Burner
                        • Stimulates the transformation and excretion of fluids and benefits the Bladder
                        Key point: The Lower-Burner counterpart to BL-51 — where BL-51 spreads Triple Burner Qi to the “Gaohuang” region above, BL-53 spreads it to the “Baohuang” region below (uterus/bladder).

                        Indications

                        Urinary

                        Hardness and fullness of the hypogastrium, retention of urine, dribbling urination, oedema.

                        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                        • Some authors read “Bao” here as referring to the Uterus, extending its use to menstrual problems.

                        BL-54

                        Zhibian "Lowermost Edge"
                        Bladder ChannelNo special Five-Element classification

                        Location

                        Location of BL-54 (Zhibian)

                        Actions

                        • Benefits the lower back
                        • Benefits urination
                        • Treats haemorrhoids
                        Key point: A must-check tenderness point for backache radiating to the buttocks and legs — needle with a long needle for maximal downward radiation.

                        Indications

                        Musculoskeletal

                        Lower backache, pain in the buttocks, sciatica, Bi Syndrome of the legs.

                        Other

                        Difficult urination, retention of urine, dark urine, haemorrhoids.

                        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                        • Combine with moxa stick for Cold-Damp buttock or leg pain.

                        BL-57

                        Chengshan "Supporting Mountain"
                        Bladder ChannelMa Dan Yang Heavenly Star Point

                        Location

                        Location of BL-57 (Chengshan)

                        Actions

                        • Relaxes the sinews and removes obstructions from the channel
                        • Treats haemorrhoids
                        Key point: A distal point for backache and sciatica similar to BL-40, plus the empirical point of choice (with BL-58) for haemorrhoids.

                        Indications

                        Musculoskeletal

                        Pain and stiffness of the lower back, sciatica, difficulty sitting or standing, contracture of sinews.

                        Other

                        Bleeding, swollen or painful haemorrhoids, prolapse of rectum.

                        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                        • Also relaxes the muscles and tendons of the lower leg - used in gastrocnemius cramps.

                        BL-58

                        Feiyang "Flying Up"
                        Bladder ChannelConnecting (Luo) Point

                        Location

                        Location of BL-58 (Feiyang)

                        Actions

                        • Removes obstructions from the channel
                        • Subdues rebellious Qi from the head
                        • Strengthens the Kidneys
                        • Treats haemorrhoids
                        Key point: Via its Luo connection to the Kidneys, uniquely combines strengthening the Kidneys (with KI-3) and subduing rebellious head-Qi — ideal for Liver-Yang-rising headaches occurring against a background of Kidney deficiency.

                        Indications

                        Musculoskeletal

                        Lower backache, sciatica, inability to stand, atrophy of legs.

                        Head

                        Headache, dizziness, neck ache, occipital headache, nosebleed, tinnitus.

                        Other

                        Swollen, painful or bleeding haemorrhoids.

                        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                        • Useful for sciatica when the pain sits between the Bladder and Gall Bladder channel territory in the leg.
                        • Empirical distal point for haemorrhoids (with BL-57), via the Bladder Divergent channel's path to the anus.

                        BL-59

                        Fuyang "Instep Yang"
                        Bladder ChannelPoint & Accumulation (Xi) Point — Yang Stepping Vessel (Yang Qiao Mai)

                        Location

                        Location of BL-59 (Fuyang)

                        Actions

                        • Removes obstructions from the channel
                        • Invigorates the Yang Stepping Vessel
                        • Benefits the back
                        Key point: As the Yang Stepping Vessel's own Xi point, specifically restores leg movement and agility in chronic weak-leg-and-back presentations — but effective only for unilateral backache.

                        Indications

                        Musculoskeletal

                        Thigh pain, Wind Bi Syndrome of legs, atrophy of legs, inability to raise the leg, heaviness of the legs, sciatica, ulcers on legs.

                        Other

                        Lower backache with pronounced stiffness.

                        Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                          BL-60

                          Kunlun "Kunlun (Mountains)"
                          Bladder ChannelRiver (Jing-River) PointFire Point

                          Location

                          Location of BL-60 (Kunlun)

                          Actions

                          • Clears Heat
                          • Extinguishes interior Wind and subdues rebellious Qi from the head
                          • Removes obstructions from the channel
                          • Strengthens the back
                          • Invigorates Blood and promotes labour
                          Key point: A major distal backache point like BL-40, but the opposite profile — better for chronic, Deficient-type backache, and uniquely reaches the shoulders, neck and occiput too.

                          Indications

                          Head

                          Feeling of heat in the head, redness, pain and swelling of the eye, nosebleed, epilepsy, headache, dizziness.

                          Musculoskeletal

                          Stiff neck, backache, upper backache, sciatica, chronic lower backache.

                          Gynaecological

                          Difficult labour, retention of placenta.

                          Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                          • Extinguishes interior Wind - treats leg tremors.
                          • A distal point for headaches from Kidney-Yang deficiency.
                          • Empirically promotes labour - contraindicated in pregnancy.

                          BL-62

                          Shenmai "Ninth Channel"
                          Bladder ChannelOpening Point — Yang Stepping Vessel (Yang Qiao Mai)

                          Location

                          Location of BL-62 (Shenmai)

                          Actions

                          • Removes obstructions from the channel
                          • Benefits the eyes
                          • Opens the Yang Stepping Vessel and harmonizes left and right
                          • Extinguishes interior Wind
                          • Subdues rebellious Qi from the head
                          • Expels exterior Wind
                          • Calms the Mind
                          Key point: The opening point of the Yang Stepping Vessel — governs movement/agility and left-right balance of the Yang channels (one leg longer, one scapula higher, one-sided sweating, hemiplegia).

                          Indications

                          Musculoskeletal

                          Stiff neck, occipital headache, stiff back, Cold Bi of the back, pain in the legs.

                          Mental / Eyes

                          Insomnia, somnolence, red eyes, eye pain, manic behaviour.

                          Asymmetry

                          Imbalances between left and right sides of the body, excess of Yang in the head.

                          Neurological

                          Epilepsy (daytime attacks), opisthotonos, lockjaw, tremors, Wind-stroke, deviation of eye and mouth.

                          Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                          • With KI-6: reduce BL-62 and reinforce KI-6 for insomnia; reverse for somnolence.
                          • Treats epilepsy, but only daytime attacks (KI-6 is used for nighttime attacks).
                          • Relaxes outer-leg tendon tension paired with inner-leg laxity.

                          BL-63

                          Jinmen "Golden Door"
                          Bladder ChannelAccumulation (Xi) PointBeginning Point — Yang Linking Vessel (Yang Wei Mai)

                          Location

                          Location of BL-63 (Jinmen)

                          Actions

                          • Removes obstructions from the channel
                          Key point: An Xi point notably without any urinary indications in the classical texts, despite being on the Bladder channel — the author's own clinical addition is using it for acute Bladder Heat (frequent, burning urination).

                          Indications

                          Musculoskeletal

                          Lower backache, knee pain, Bi Syndrome of the legs, pain on the external malleolus.

                          Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                            BL-64

                            Jinggu "Capital Bone"
                            Bladder ChannelSource (Yuan) Point

                            Location

                            Location of BL-64 (Jinggu)

                            Actions

                            • Subdues rebellious Qi from the head
                            • Extinguishes interior Wind
                            • Calms the Mind
                            Key point: Like most Yang-channel Source points, not typically used to tonify the Bladder itself — instead subdues rebellious head-Qi and Liver-Wind-type head tremor against a background of Kidney deficiency.

                            Indications

                            Head

                            Headache, dizziness, redness of the inner canthus, tremor of the head, epilepsy.

                            Mental

                            Palpitations, insomnia, manic depression, fright.

                            Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                            • Combine with T.B.-4 to stimulate the Water passages of the Lower Burner.

                            BL-65

                            Shugu "Binding Bone"
                            Bladder ChannelStream (Shu) PointWood PointDrainage Point

                            Location

                            Location of BL-65 (Shugu)

                            Actions

                            • Subdues rebellious Qi from the head
                            • Clears Heat
                            • Expels exterior Wind
                            Key point: A distal point for any Bladder-channel problem reaching the head — particularly useful for neck Bi Syndrome and, per the author's own experience, acute cystitis.

                            Indications

                            Head

                            Headache, dizziness, occipital headache, eye redness and pain, yellow sclera.

                            Exterior

                            Aversion to cold, fever, occipital stiffness and ache.

                            Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                            • Expels exterior Wind - used in the beginning stage of Wind-Cold invasion (Greater Yang stage) with headache and stiff neck.

                            BL-66

                            Tonggu "Passing Valley"
                            Bladder ChannelSpring (Ying) PointWater Point

                            Location

                            Location of BL-66 (Tonggu)

                            Actions

                            • Clears Heat
                            • Promotes the rising of clear Qi to the head
                            Key point: The most dynamic and powerful Heat-clearing point on the channel for acute cystitis — stronger than the other Bladder points for this purpose.

                            Indications

                            Urinary

                            Difficult urination, burning pain on urination, scanty dark urine.

                            Head

                            Redness of eyes, nosebleed, heaviness of the head, dizziness.

                            Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)

                            • Also stimulates clear Qi rising to the head - Damp head-heaviness and muzziness.

                            BL-67

                            Zhiyin "Reaching Yin"
                            Bladder ChannelWell (Jing) PointMetal PointTonification Point

                            Location

                            Location of BL-67 (Zhiyin)

                            Actions

                            • Subdues rebellious Qi from the head
                            • Clears Heat
                            • Resolves Damp-Heat
                            • Promotes labour
                            Key point: The famous empirical point for correcting fetal malposition (moxa in the eighth month of pregnancy, five cones each side, daily for ten days) — alongside its more ordinary Well-point role in Wind-type headache and eye clearing.

                            Indications

                            Head

                            Headache, dizziness, occipital headache, neck ache, red eyes, eye pain.

                            Urinary / Gynaecological

                            Difficult or painful urination, retention of placenta, malposition of fetus, delayed or difficult labour.

                            Clinical Pearls (summarized from Comments)