Bladder Meridian
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BL-30
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Back — Sacral, Hip / Gluteal
Location
At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Main Actions
- Benefits the anus
- Strengthens the lower back and legs
- Regulates menstruation
- Stops seminal emissions or leukorrhea
Indications
Hip pain
Leg pain
Itchy anus
Leukorrhea
Anus spasm
Sacrum pain
Coccyx pain
Lumbar pain
Haemorrhoids
Anus prolapse
Heavy periods
Painful period
Rectum prolapse
Lower back pain
Seminal emissions
Defecation difficulty
Irregular menstruation
Incontinence of stools
Commentary
The point's name BaiHuan (White Ring) refers to 'Anus', because BL-30 is mostly used for anus disorders, such as haemorrhoids, prolapse and spasm of anus and incontinence of stools.
It also strengthens the lower back and legs, working as a local point to invigorate Qi so as to stop pain of the lumbar region, sacrum, hip and coccyx.
Finally it regulates the Uterus and genito-urinary system by strengthening Qi there. Therefore BL-30 treats various menstruation problems, seminal emissions or leukorrhea.
Classical Sources
Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): The point was first recorded in this classical text by Huangfu Mi. It describes Baihuanshu as being located 1.5 cun lateral to the midline at the level of the fourth sacral foramen, on the medial branch of the Bladder channel.
Líng Shū (靈樞 - Spiritual Pivot): Classical sources note that the name 'White Ring' (Bái Huán) refers to the anus, as this point is primarily used for disorders of the anal region including hemorrhoids, prolapse, and incontinence. The point also has applications for seminal emissions, leukorrhea, and lower back pain.
Classical Interpretation: The character 'Bái' (white) refers to the color associated with Lung/Metal and pure Qi, while 'Huán' (ring) refers to the circular shape of the anus. 'Shū' indicates it is a transporting point where Qi flows to the surface.
How to Locate
First identify the Tuffier's line which connects the highest points of the iliac crest. The spinous process of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4) mostly falls on this line. Then palpate in an inferior direction, passing L5, and reach the most superior 1st sacral foramen. Palpate further down for three sacral foramens and locate the 4th one in a depression. Locate Baihuanshu BL-30 at the same level of the 4th sacral foramen and 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline. Points located between Fufen BL-41 and Zhibian BL-54 are in the lateral branch of the Bladder Channel, while these between Fengmen BL-12 and Baihuanshu BL-30 are in the medial branch.
Caution
Use caution during pregnancy due to the point's proximity to the pelvic region and its effects on the lower burner. Avoid deep needling in patients with local skin infections or inflammation. The point is located in the sacral region where the gluteus maximus muscle provides substantial tissue depth, but practitioners should be mindful of the underlying sacral nerves (inferior gluteal nerves and pudendal nerve branches). Maintain proper needling angle to avoid discomfort.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the sacral region. Deqi may manifest as a sensation of numbness or electric-like feeling radiating toward the buttock and hip area. Some patients may experience a comfortable warming sensation spreading through the lower back and sacral region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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