Bladder Meridian
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BL-36
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
Needle Depth
1–2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Hip / Gluteal, Thigh — Posterior
Location
In the middle of the gluteal crease. Locate the point in prone position.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Treats haemorrhoids
Indications
Commentary
Chengfu BL-36 is mostly used as a local point for Painful Obstruction syndrome of the Channel. It treats lower back pain that spreads down along Bladder Channel to buttock and legs. The pain normally gets worse when the patient is seated.
Furthermore, it is also able to treat haemorrhoids, even thought the other two Bladder points (Chengshan BL-57 and Feiyang BL-58) are used more frequently.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Chengfu among the points of the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel, with alternative names including Rouxì (肉郄), Yīnguān (阴关), and Píbù (皮部).
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records that Chengfu is indicated for pain in the lumbar, sacral, gluteal, and femoral regions, as well as hemorrhoids. The name 'Chengfu' (承扶) reflects its function of enabling the lower limbs to 'hold and support' the body weight.
How to Locate
First find the midpoint of the popliteal crease (Weizhong BL-40), which is vertically below Chengfu BL-36. Chengfu BL-36 is in the midpoint of the gluteal crease, at the transition between the buttocks and the posterior aspect of the thigh.
Caution
This point lies directly over the sciatic nerve and is accompanied by the inferior gluteal artery and vein. Care must be taken to avoid direct needling of the sciatic nerve, which may cause sharp radiating pain or temporary numbness. The accompanying blood vessels require careful technique to prevent hematoma formation. Always needle slowly with patient feedback. Avoid aggressive manipulation in patients with sciatica symptoms to prevent nerve irritation.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
1–2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–2 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the gluteal crease, often with a strong aching sensation radiating down the posterior thigh along the Bladder channel pathway toward the popliteal fossa. Due to proximity to the sciatic nerve, patients may experience an electric or shooting sensation down the leg—this should be approached carefully and the needle adjusted if too intense.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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