Bladder Meridian
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BL-57
Ma Dan Yang Heavenly Star
Needle Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Posterior
Location
Directly below the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle and between the two heads of the muscle, on the line connecting Weizhong BL-40 and Kunlun BL-60, about 8 cun below Weizhong BL-40.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel and relaxes Sinews
- Treats haemorrhoids
Indications
Sciatica
Weak legs
Haemorrhoids
Lower back pain
Rectum prolapse
Haemorrhoid pain
Calf muscle pain
Sinew contracture
Lower back stiffness
Bleeding haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids swelling
Commentary
Chengshan BL-57's functions are quit similar to Weizhong BL-40, in terms of removing obstructions from the Channel and relaxing sinews. It is mostly used as a distal point to treat lower back pain and sciatica. It is also useful for these patients who have difficulties to sit and stand for a long time.
Furthermore, it treats haemorrhoids as well.
Classical Sources
Líng Shū (灵枢·卫气): First records this point, establishing it as an important point on the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel.
Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng (针灸甲乙经): "Nosebleed, lumbar and spine pain, heaviness and soreness of the calf, trembling and inability to stand for long, calf feeling as if splitting, acute heel pain, foot contracture pulling lower abdominal pain, throat pain, difficult defecation, abdominal distension—Chengshan governs these."
Tóng Rén Shù Xué Zhēn Jiǔ Tú Jīng (铜人腧穴针灸图经): "Needle 7 fen, moxa 5 cones. Treats headache with heat, nosebleed, hernia, abdominal pain, hemorrhoid swelling, bloody stool, cholera with leg cramps."
Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng (针灸大成): "Governs constipation, leg cramps, hemorrhoid swelling, trembling and inability to stand, beriberi with knee swelling, shin soreness and heel pain, sinew tension and pain, cholera, food passage blockage."
Yù Lóng Gē (玉龙歌): "Nine types of hemorrhoids and fistulas harm people most; needling Chengshan works like a miracle."
Bǎi Zhèng Fù (百症赋): "Needle Changqiang and Chengshan; they excellently govern intestinal wind with fresh blood below."
Mǎ Dān Yáng Tiān Xīng Shí Èr Xué (马丹阳天星十二穴): "Chengshan, named Fish Belly, lies between the calf muscles; excels at treating lumbar pain, hemorrhoids with difficult defecation, beriberi with knee swelling; for cholera and leg cramps, needle this point for immediate relief."
How to Locate
First locate Weizhong BL-40 in the midpoint of the popliteal crease and Kunlun BL-60 in the depression between the external malleolus and Achilles tendon. Locate Chengshan BL-57 in the middle of these two reference point. Or palpate from Kunlun BL-60 in a superior direction until reaching the depression between the two bellies of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Caution
This point overlies the tibial nerve and tibial posterior vessels in the deeper layers. While not classified as dangerous, practitioners should be aware of these structures. Needling sensation can be quite intense; reduce stimulation in sensitive patients. Avoid excessive manipulation in patients with deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins. The point may be very tender in patients with chronic muscle tension or leg fatigue.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Strong local distension, soreness, and heaviness in the calf muscle. Deqi often radiates upward toward the popliteal fossa (back of knee) or downward toward the heel along the Bladder channel pathway. This point can be quite sensitive, especially in patients with leg fatigue or muscle tension.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Ma Dan Yang Heavenly Star
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