Atlas of Acupuncture

4.7 The Bladder Channel System – Foot taiyang(zu tai yang jing luo)

These points are described together because of their similar

actions and indications.

BL-31(shangliao) ‘Upper Crevice’, 1st sacral foramen

BL-32(ciliao) ‘Second Crevice’, 2nd sacral foramen

BL-33(zhongliao) ‘Middle Crevice’, 3rd sacral foramen

BL-34(xialiao) ‘Lower Crevice’, 4th sacral foramen

Location

BL-31:Over the 1st sacral foramen

BL-32:Over the 2nd sacral foramen

BL-33:Over the 3rd sacral foramen

BL-34:Over the 4th sacral foramen

How to find

For more detail on orientation in the lumbar and sacral region,

➞3.4.3, 3.4.4. First, locate L5. The next palpable structure in an

inferior direction is the most superior sacral spinous process.

Palpate in a lateral direction on the level of the sacral processes

for the depressions of the sacral foramina. Or:Locate the 4th

sacral foramen on the level of the superior end of the rima ani

(sometimes a bit more superiorly or inferiorly). Place the little

finger on the 4th foramen, then the ring, middle and index fin-

gers on a slightly V-shaped line in a superior direction, palpating

for the depressions of the sacral foramina. With the fingers in

this position, the index finger will be resting on the 1st foramen

(BL-31), the middle finger on the 2nd foramen (BL-32), the ring

finger on the 3rd foramen (BL-33) and the little finger on the 4th

foramen (BL-34). Located on the same level as BL-31–BL-34

are the points ➞BL-27–BL-30on the inner branch of the BL

channel (1.5 cun lateral to the midline) as well as ➞BL-53(on

the level of BL-32) and ➞BL-54(on the level of BL-34), both

3 cun lateral to the midline. Also on the level of BL-34is

➞Ex-B-11(3.5 cun lateral to the midline).

Needling

Vertically 0.7–1.5 cun. Caution: Pregnancy (especially reducing

needling techniques are contraindicated); exception: to promote

labour.

Actions/Indications

● Regulates the Lower Burner, promotes urination (all eight

points) (BL-32and BL-33have the strongest action in cases

of urinary disorders, while BL-34has the strongest action in

cases of genital disorders)

● Strengthens the Kidneys and Essence (jing)

● Benefits the Intestines (BL-34has the strongest action in

cases of intestinal disorders)

● Promotes labour (for example, use BL-32with electro-

acupuncture)

● Benefits the lumbar region (BL-32and BL-33 have the

strongest action)

Special features

According to some authors, meeting point with the G.B. channel.

Clinically, BL-32is the most commonly used point owing to its

widest range of indications. Electro-acupuncture at BL-32is

useful for alleviating pain during labour: after needling this

point, bend the handle of the needle in a superior direction at a

90° angle and tape it to the skin. Now attach the electro-stimulation.

This method allows the woman to lie down if desired.

Moxibustion of the baliaois indicated for difficult urination or

defaecation due to Kidney deficiency in elderly people.

EightLiao BALIAO BL 31 – BL 34

2

3

4

BL-31

BL-32

BL-33

BL-34

Sacral foramen 1

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