Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang_visibleholism-Gateway to learning classical Chinese acupuncture

Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang and Its Main Acupoints

足太阳膀胱经脉及其主要穴位

I. General distribution of Urinary Bladder Meridian

1. From the head to the foot.

2. Flong the back of the neck, trunk, and lower limb.

3. Connects with the urinary bladder, kidney, brain, and eyes. In addition, its divergent meridian connects with the heart.

4. Meets the Small Intestine Meridian of Hand Taiyang at the inner canthus, the Kidney Meridian of Foot Shaoyin at the outside of the tip of the small toe, and the Du Meridian at the top of the vertex.

II. Main indications

1. Diseases along the external pathway of the Urinary Bladder Meridian, including headache, stiff neck, backache, pain or impairment of the lower limbs.

2. Manic or depressive mental disorders, epilepsy.

3. Common cold, malaria.

4. Diseases and disorders of internal zang fu organs.

III. Main cupoints of Urinary Bladder Meridian

BL1 Jīngmíng 睛明 (Bright Eyes)

Location: On the face, in the depression superior to the inner canthus.

Classification: Crossing point of the Urinary Bladder, Small Intestine, Stomach Meridians and the Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao Vessels

Indications:

1. Blurring of vision, myopia, night blindness, color blindness

2. Pterygium, cataract, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation

3. Acute lumbar pain

Functions:Benefits the eyes, clears Heat, expels Wind.

Needling:Have patient close eyes. With the left hand, gently push the eyeball toward the lateral side, with the right hand slowly insert the needle perpendicularly 0.5 - 1.0 cun along the orbital wall. It is not advisable to rotate or lift and thrust the needle (or only rotate or lift and thrust slightly). To avoid bleeding, press the punctured site momentarily after withdrawing the needle.

BL2 Cuánzhú 攒竹 (Bamboo Gathering)

Location: On the face, in the depression on the medial end of the eyebrow, on the supraorbital notch.

Indications:

1. Hiccups

2. Pain in the supraorbital region, blurring of vision, redness, swelling and pain of the eye

Functions:Benefits the eyes, clears Heat, expels Wind.

Needling:Subcutaneous insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun, or prick to cause bleeding. No moxa.

BL7 Tōngtiān 通天 (Celestial Connection)

Location: On the scalp, 4.0 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.

Indications:

1. Nasal congestion, nasal polyps, nasal ulcers, rhinorrhea, epistaxis

2. Headache, dizziness

3. Hemiplegia, epilepsy

Functions:Benefits the nose, expels Wind, clears the head.

Needling:Subcutaneous insertion 0.3 - 0.5 cun.

BL10 Tiānzhù 天柱 (Celestial Pillar)

Location: On the nape, in the depression on the lateral border of m. trapezius, within the posterior hairline, 1.3 cun lateral to the midline.

Classification: Sea of Qi point
Window of the Sky point

Indications:

1. Dizziness

2. Headache, neck stiffness, pain in the shoulder and back

3. Nasal congestion, sore throat

Functions:Expels Wind, activates the meridian, soothes the sinews, benefits the head, alleviates pain, opens the sense orifices.

Needling:Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun. Do not insert the needle deeply medially upwards to avoid injuring the medulla oblongata.

BL11 Dàzhù 大杼 (Great Shuttle)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Converging point of Bone
Crossing point of the Urinary Bladder and Small Intestine Meridians
Sea of Blood point

Indications:

1. All types of bone disease (including pain in the bone, joint pain in the shoulder, back, lumbar, sacrum and knee)

2. Fever, cough, headache, nasal congestion

Functions:Benefits the bones and joints, releases the exterior, dispels Wind, spreads and descends Lung Qi, stops cough.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL12 Fēngmén 风门 (Wind Gate)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Crossing point of the Urinary Bladder Meridian and Du Vessel

Indications:

1. Common cold, cough

2. Fever, headache

3. Neck stiffness, pain in the chest and back

Functions:Releases the exterior, strengthens Wei Qi, spreads and descends Lung Qi, regulates Ying and Wei Qi.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL13 Fèishū 肺俞 (Lung Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Lung

Indications:

1. Fever, cough, hemoptysis, night sweating

2. Nasal congestion

3. Alopecia, smallpox, rash, soreness

4. Pruritus

Functions:Strengthens Lung Qi, spreads and descends Lung Qi, regulates Lung Qi, opens the chest, clears Lung Heat, stops cough.

Notes: UB 13,being the Back-Shu point of the Lung, is indicated for any Lung issue, whether that be physical or emotional (i.e. grief and sadness). Back-Shu points are corresponding points on the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-Fu organ is infused. If the Five Zang organs are diseased, abnormal reactions appear on the Back-Shu points. Back-Shu points have a direct therapeutic effect on the diseases of the Five Zang organs.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL15 Xīnshū 心俞 (Heart Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Heart

Indications:

1. Cardiac pain, palpitation, chest congestion, shortness of breath

2. Cough, hematemesis

3. Insomnia, forgetfulness, epilepsy

4. Nocturnal emission, night sweating

Functions:Strengthens and nourishes the Heart, calms the Shen, regulates Heart Qi, opens the chest, resolves Blood stagnation, clears Heart Heat/Fire.

Notes: UB 15 is one of the best points for insomnia and anxiety, especially if the pattern is due to heat. Back-Shu points are corresponding points on the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-Fu organ is infused. If the Five Zang organs are diseased, abnormal reactions appear on the Back-Shu points. Back-Shu points have a direct therapeutic effect on the diseases of the Five Zang organs.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL17 Géshū 膈俞 (Diaphragm Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Diaphragm
Converging point of Blood

Indications:

1. Acute epigastric pain, hiccups, dysphagia, blood in the stools

2. Cough, asthma, hematemesis, hectic fever and night sweating

3. Urticaria, pruritus

Functions:Invigorates the Blood, cools the Blood, nourishes the Blood, stops bleeding, descends rebellious Qi, harmonizes the diaphragm, calms the Shen.

Notes: UB 17 is a very important point to treat any blood-related conditions. Since it’s the Back-Shu of the Diaphragm, it is also an important point to treat conditions related to diaphragmatic problems such as hiccups and shortness of breath.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL18 Gānshū 肝俞 (Liver Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Liver

Indications:

1. Pain in the hypochondrium, jaundice

2. Eye diseases

3. Gastric pain, epigastric distention, vomiting, acid regurgitation

4. Manic psychosis, back pain

Functions:Moves stagnant Liver Qi, regulates and nourishes Liver Blood, resolves Damp-Heat, benefits the eyes and sinews, dispels Wind.

Notes: UB 18 is very helpful for any Liver related condition. Back-Shu points are corresponding points on the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-Fu organ is infused. If the Five Zang organs are diseased, abnormal reactions appear on the Back-Shu points. Back-Shu points have a direct therapeutic effect on the diseases of the Five Zang organs.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL19 Dănshū 胆俞 (Gall Bladder Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Gall Bladder

Indications:

1. Jaundice, bitter taste in mouth, pain in the hypochondrium

2. Epigastric pain or distension, acid regurgitation

Functions:Regulates and strengthens Gall Bladder Qi, resolves Gall Bladder/Liver Damp-Heat, clears Shaoyang pathogens.

Notes: Back-Shu points are corresponding points on the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-Fu organ is infused. If the Five Zang organs are diseased, abnormal reactions appear on the Back-Shu points. Back-Shu points have a direct therapeutic effect on the diseases of the Five Zang organs.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL20 Pĭshū 脾俞 (Spleen Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Spleen

Indications:

1. Abdominal distention, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, blood in the stools

2. Edema

Functions:Tonifies Spleen/Stomach Qi and Yang, nourishes Blood, resolves Dampness, regulates SP/ST Qi.

Notes: UB 20 is an important point to use for any Spleen patterns. Excellent point to tonify the Spleen and Stomach for chronic conditions. Back-Shu points are corresponding points on the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-Fu organ is infused. If the Five Zang organs are diseased, abnormal reactions appear on the Back-Shu points. Back-Shu points have a direct therapeutic effect on the diseases of the Five Zang organs.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL21 Wèishū 胃俞 (Stomach Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Stomach

Indications:

1. Epigastric distention, vomiting

2. Abdominal distention, borborygmus

Functions:Regulates and harmonizes Stomach Qi, resolves Dampness, alleviates food stagnation.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL22 Sānjiāoshū 三焦俞 (San Jiao Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the San Jiao

Indications:

1. Edema, dysuria

2. Abdominal distention, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery

Functions:Regulates and and moves the San Jiao, opens and regulates water passages, benefits urination, resolves Dampness.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.5 - 1.0 cun.

BL23 Shènshū 肾俞 (Kidney Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Kidney

Indications:

1. Enuresis, dysuria, edema

2. Spermatorrhea, impotence, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea

3. Deafness, tinnitus, cough, asthma

4. Hemiplegia, lumbar pain, bone disease

5. Pain or motor impairment of lower limbs

Functions:Strengthens the Kidneys, tonifies Kidney Yang, nourishes Kidney Yin and Essence, strengthens Kidney's ability to grasp qi, benefits the ears and bones, strengthens the low back, resolves Dampness.

Notes: UB 23 is one of the most effective points to tonify the Kidneys. Back-Shu points are corresponding points on the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-Fu organ is infused. If the Five Zang organs are diseased, abnormal reactions appear on the Back-Shu points. Back-Shu points have a direct therapeutic effect on the diseases of the Five Zang organs.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.5 - 1.0 cun.

BL25 Dàchángshū 大肠俞 (Large Intestine Shu)

Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Large Intestine

Indications:

1. Abdominal distention, diarrhea, constipation, bleeding hemorrhoids

2. Pain of lower back and limbs

3. Urticaria

Functions:Regulates the large intestines, strengthens the low back, removes obstructions from the meridian.

Notes: UB 25 is very good for either diarrhea or constipation. It is also very effective local point for low back pain. Back-Shu points are corresponding points on the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-Fu organ is infused. If the Five Zang organs are diseased, abnormal reactions appear on the Back-Shu points. Back-Shu points have a direct therapeutic effect on the diseases of the Five Zang organs.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.5 - 1.0 cun.

BL27 Xiăochángshū 小肠俞 (Small Intestine Shu)

Location: In the region of the sacrum, 1.5 cun lateral to the middle sacral crest, at the level of the 1st posterior sacral foramen.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Small Intestine

Indications:

1. Pain in the lumbosacral region and knees

2. Lower abdominal distention and pain, dysuria

3. Spermatorrhea, leukorrhea

Functions:Promotes the functions of the Small Intestine, resolves Dampness and Damp-Heat, benefits urination.

Needling:Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.8 - 1.2 cun.

BL28 Pángguāngshū 膀胱俞 (Bladder Shu)

Location: In the region of the sacrum, 1.5 cun lateral to the middle sacral crest, at the level of the 2nd posterior sacral foramen.

Classification: Back-Shu point of the Urinary Bladder

Indications:

1. Dysuria, enuresis

2. Stiffness and pain of the lower back, leg pain

3. Diarrhea, constipation

Functions:Regulates the Bladder, resolves Dampness and Damp-Heat, removes stagnation, opens the water passages.

Notes: UB 28 is commonly used for urinary complications. Back-Shu points are corresponding points on the back where the Qi of the respective Zang-Fu organ is infused. If the Five Zang organs are diseased, abnormal reactions appear on the Back-Shu points. Back-Shu points have a direct therapeutic effect on the diseases of the Five Zang organs.

Needling:Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.8 - 1.2 cun.

BL31 Shàngliáo 上髎(Upper Crevice)

Location: In the region of the sacrum, between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline of the back, in the 1st sacral foramen.

Indications:

1. Irregular menstruation, bloody leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus

2. Spermatorrhea, impotence

3. Constipation, dysuria

4. Pain in lumbosacral region and leg

Functions:Regulates the Lower Jiao, regulates menstruation, benefits urination, benefits the lumbar area and legs.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun.

BL32 Cìliáo 次髎(Second Crevice)

Location: In the region of the sacrum, medial and inferior to the posterior superior iliac spine, in the 2nd sacral foramen.

Indications:

1. Spermatorrhea, impotence

2. Irregular menstruation, bloody leukorrhea

3. Lumbosacral pain, pain, weakness, and numbness of the lower extremities

Functions:Regulates the Lower Jiao, regulates menstruation, benefits urination, benefits the lumbar area and legs.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun.

BL33 Zhōngliáo 中髎(Central Crevice)

Location: In the region of the sacrum, medial and inferior to UB 32, in the 3rd sacral foramen.

Indications:

1. Irregular menstruation, leukorrhea

2. Dysuria, constipation, diarrhea

3. Lumbosacral and leg pain

Functions:Regulates the Lower Jiao, regulates menstruation, benefits urination, benefits the lumbar area and legs.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun.

BL34 Xiàliáo 下髎(Lower Crevice)

Location: In the region of the sacrum, medial and inferior to UB 33, in the 4th sacral foramen.

Indications:

1. Lumbosacral and leg pain, lower abdominal pain

2. Dysuria, bloody leukorrhea

Functions:Regulates the Lower Jiao, regulates menstruation, benefits urination, benefits the lumbar area and legs.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun.

BL39 Wĕiyáng 委阳 (Supporting Yang)

Location: At the lateral end of the popliteal transverse crease, on the medial side of the tendon m. biceps femoris.

Classification: Lower-He-Sea point of the San Jiao

Indications:

1. Stiffness and pain of waist, lower abdominal distention

2. Dysuria, retention of urine

3. Spasm and pain of the leg and foot

Functions:Harmonizes the San Jiao, opens the water passages, benefits urination.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun.

BL40 Wĕizhōng 委中 (Supporting Middle)

Location: Midpoint of the transverse crease of the popliteal fossa, between the tendons m. biceps femoris and m. semitendinosus.

Classification: He-Sea point of the Urinary Bladder
Command Point of the low back

Indications:

1. Lumbar pain, spasm and weakness of the lower extremities

2. Erysipelas, rash, general pruritus, furuncle, carbuncle on the back

3. Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea

4. Enuresis, dysuria

Functions:Clears Heat, resolves Dampness, benefits the lumbar area and knees, cools the Blood, clears Summer-Heat, activates the meridian, relieves pain.

Notes: UB 40 is an excellent point for any low back condition, acute or chronic. It is also known to help skin conditions. He-Sea points are where the qi of the meridian collects and goes deep into the body. He-sea points are known to indicated treat rebellious qi and diarrhea.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun, or prick the popliteal vein with a three-edged needle to cause bleeding.

BL43 Gaohuāng 膏肓 (Vitals)

Location: On the back, 3.0 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra.

Indications:

1. Pulmonary tuberculosis, cough, asthma, poor appetite, loose stools, emaciation and weakness

2. Pain and distention of breasts

3. Cardiac pain, palpitation

4. Spermatorrhea, night sweating, poor memory

5. Aching pain in the shoulder and back

Functions:Nourishes Lung Yin, tonifies Qi and strengthens the body, nourishes Essence.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun. Or apply moxibustion, cupping, and scrapping.

BL52 Zhìshì 志室 (Will Power Chamber)

Location: On the lower back, 3.0 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.

Indications:

1. Spermatorrhea, impotence

2. Dysuria, edema

3. Lumbar stiffness and pain

Functions:Tonifies the kidneys, benefits urination, strengthens the low back.

Notes: UB 52 is the outer Back-Shu of the Kidney. Its special feature is that it helps treat the psychological/spiritual aspect of the Kidney. It is usually used to strengthen will power.

Needling:Oblique insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun.

BL54 Zhìibiān 秩边 (Lowermost Edge)

Location: In the region of the sacrum, 3.0 cun lateral to the middle sacral crest, at the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen.

Indications:

1. Lumbosacral pain, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities

2. Dysuria, constipation, hemorrhoids

Functions:Benefits urination, activates the meridian, strengthens the low back, alleviates pain.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 2.0 cun.

BL57 Chengshān 承山 (Supporting Mountain)

Location: On the posterior midline of the lower leg between UB 40 and UB 60, when extending the toes straight or lifting the heel, the point is below of m. gastrocnemius in the apex of the depression.

Indications:

1. Hemorrhoids, constipation

2. Spasm and pain of the lumbar and leg

3. Beriberi

Functions:Relaxes the sinews, activates the meridian, treats the heel and foot, empirical point for hemorrhoids.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 2.0 cun.

BL58 Fēiyáng 飞扬 (Taking Flight)

Location: On the posterior aspect of the lower leg, behind the external malleolus, 7 cun directly above UB 60, 1 cun inferior and lateral to UB 57.

Classification: Luo-Connecting point of the Urinary Bladder Meridian

Indications:

1. Headache, dizziness, epistaxis

2. Pain and weakness of the lumbar and leg (sciatica)

3. Hemorrhoids

Functions:Expels Wind-Damp, harmonizes excess above and deficiency below, activates the meridian, alleviates pain.

Notes: Luo-Connecting points of one meridian can communicate with two meridians. They treat diseases of the collaterals and can be used to treat chronic diseases, especially chronic diseases of the Zang-Fu organs. Clinically, Luo-Connecting points are often combined with Yuan-Source points in the treatment of diseases.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.7 - 1.0 cun.

BL59 Fúyáng 跗阳(Instep Yang)

Location: On the posterior aspect of the lower leg, behind the external malleolus, 3 cun directly above UB 60.

Classification: Xi-Cleft point of the Yang Qiao Vessel

Indications:

1. Headache, heavy sensation of the head

2. Lumbosacral pain, pain, numbness and weakness of the lower extremities, swelling and pain of the external malleolus

Functions:Activates the meridian, benefits the low back and legs, alleviates pain.

Notes: A Xi-Cleftpoint is the site where the Qi of the meridian is deeply converged. Qi and blood are stored deeply at these particular points. If there appear abnormal reactions at X-Cleft points, it shows that the pathogens have entered the deeper parts of Zang-Fu organs. Thus, they are used for acute, painful symptoms, inflammation, protracted diseases of its pertaining meridian and Zang-Fun organ. Also, Xi-Cleft points of the Yin meridians have hemostatic functions.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.8 - 1.2 cun.

BL60 Kūnlún 昆仑 (Kunlun Mountains)

Location: On the foot, behind the external malleolus, in the depression between the tip of the external malleolus and tendo calcaneus.

Classification: Jing-River point of the Urinary Bladder Meridian

Indications:

1. Acute lumbar pain, swelling and pain of the heel

2. Difficult labor

3. Pain in supraorbital region

4. Headache, neck stiffness, dizziness, epistaxis

5. Infantile convulsion

Functions:Expels Wind, clears Heat, relaxes the sinews, removes obstructions from the meridian, promotes labor.

Notes: UB 60 is an important point to help ease difficult labor. Jing-River points are where the qi of the meridian begins to flow more heavily. They are known to treat cough and asthma due to pathogenic cold or heat.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.5 - 1.0 cun.

BL62 Shēnmài 申脉 (Extending Vessel)

Location: On the lateral aspect of the foot, posterior and inferior to the external malleolus, directly below UB 60, lateral to the calcaneum at the junction of the red and white skin.

Classification: Master Point of the Yang Qiao Vessel (couple with SI 3)

Indications:

1. Epilepsy, manic psychosis

2. Insomnia, extroversion of foot

3. Headache, neck rigidity, pain of the lumbar and leg

4. Blepharoptosis

Functions:Dispels interior Wind, benefits the eyes and head, relaxes the sinews, treats epilepsy, calms the Shen.

Notes: UB 62 is an excellent point for neck and back issues when coupled with SI 3.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.3 - 0.5 cun.

BL63 Jīnmén 金门 (Golden Gate)

Location: On the lateral aspect of the foot, directly below the anterior border of the external malleolus, lateral to the lower border of the cuboid bone.

Classification: Xi-Cleft point of the Urinary Bladder Meridian

Indications:

1. Manic psychosis, epilepsy, infantile convulsion

2. Headache, lumbar pain, pain, numbness and weakness of the lower extremities, pain in the external malleolus

Functions:Relaxes the sinews, calms Wind, activates the meridian, alleviates pain.

Notes: A Xi-Cleftpoint is the site where the Qi of the meridian is deeply converged. Qi and blood are stored deeply at these particular points. If there appear abnormal reactions at X-Cleft points, it shows that the pathogens have entered the deeper parts of Zang-Fu organs. Thus, they are used for acute, painful symptoms, inflammation, protracted diseases of its pertaining meridian and Zang-Fu organ. Also, Xi-Cleft points of the Yin meridians have hemostatic functions.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.3 - 0.5 cun.

BL64 Jīnggĭ 京骨 (Big Bone)

Location: On the lateral aspect of the foot, below the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin.

Classification: Yuan-Source point of the Urinary Bladder Meridian

Indications:

1. Headache, neck rigidity, nebula

2. Pain of the lumbar and leg

Functions:Relaxes the sinews, dispels Wind, calms the Shen, activates the meridian, alleviates pain.

Notes: Clinically, Yuan-Source points are of great significance in treating diseases of the internal organs. Yuan-Source points are the sites where the Yuan (Primary) qi of the Zang-Fu organs passes and stays. Puncturing the Yuan-Source points stimulates the vital energy of the regular meridians, regulates the functional activities of the internal organs, reinforces antipathogenic factors and eliminates pathogenic factors. This method of treating diseases deals principally with the root causes. The Yuan (source) point from the affected meridian is often combined with the Luo (Connecting) point of the internally-externally related meridians in use.

Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.3 - 0.5 cun

BL67 Zhìyīn 至阴 (Reaching Yin)

Location: On the lateral side of the end of the small toe, .1 cun from the corner of the nail.

Classification: Jing-Well point of the Urinary Bladder Meridian

Indications:

1. Malposition of fetus, difficult labor

2. Headache, eye pain, nasal congestion, epistaxis

Functions:Eliminates Wind, clears the head and eyes, turns the fetus and helps labor.

Notes: UB 67 is the point to turn the fetus.Because this point is the place where the UB meridian and Kidney meridian connect, it can regulate the Kidney and tonify Qi. If the Kidney Qi is not sufficient, it is difficult to maintain the fetus in the correct position. The deficiency of Kidney Qi also causes lack of strength, making the labor difficult. UB 67 regulates and tonifies Kidney Qi. Jing-Well points are where the qi bubbles up. Jing-Well points are indicated to revive consciousness. Jing-Well points are known to treat fullness below the Heart and clear Heat.

Needling:Superficial insertion 0.1 cun. Use moxibustion for malposition of fetus.