Bladder Meridian
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BL-53
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Back — Sacral, Hip / Gluteal
Location
At the level of the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi in the Lower Burner
- Benefits urination
Indications
Oedema
Urinary retention
Urinary dribbling
Burning urination
Hypogastric hardness
Hypogastric fullness
Commentary
The actions of Baohuang BL-53 are quite similar to Huangmen BL-51, which is at the same level as Sanjiaoshu BL-22. The latter is the Back-Transporting-Shu point of the Triple Burner. Therefore, they share similar attributions.
One of the most important one is to regulate the Triple Burner and spread the Original Qi to the body. While BL-51 is more focus on the Upper Burner while BL-53 is more on the Lower Burner.
Furthermore, BL-53 promotes the transformation and excretion of the dirty Body Fluids in the Lower Burner. Thus it treats urinary issues such as retention of urine, difficult or burning urination.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Baohuang for treating retention of urine, borborygmus, and lumbar stiffness.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Indicates the point for abdominal distension, constipation, and difficulty urinating.
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 to the 2nd sacral foramen. Baohuang BL-53 is at the level of the 2nd sacral foramen and 3 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
Located in the gluteal region over the sacrum. While not considered a dangerous point, practitioners should be aware of the depth of needle insertion to avoid reaching too deep toward pelvic structures. Use caution during pregnancy as sacral points may influence pelvic circulation. The point lies over the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus muscles with the superior gluteal artery and nerve in the deep layer.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 1–1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness radiating to the sacral region and occasionally down toward the buttock. The deqi sensation may spread toward the lower back or perineal area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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