Bladder Meridian
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BL-25
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Back — Lower (Lumbar)
Location
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4).
Main Actions
- Regulates the Large Intestine
- Removes Qi Stagnation in the Large Intestine
- Strengthens the lower back and legs
Indications
Commentary
As the Back Transporting point for the Large Intestine, Dachangshu BL-25 is indicated for any diseases related to the Organ.
Most importantly, it regulates the Large Intestine and promotes the bowel movement. It can be used for both diarrhea and constipation. It is often combined with Pishu BL-20 in terms of treating diarrhea.
It also removes Qi Stagnation in the Large Intestine to ease pain, distension and fullness there.
Finally, it strengthens the lower back and legs by removing Obstruction from the Channel.
Classical Sources
《脈經》 Mài Jīng (Pulse Classic): First recorded this point as the Back-Shu of the Large Intestine.
《備急千金要方》 Bèijí Qiānjīn Yàofāng (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "Dachangshu treats abdominal rumbling like thunder, intestinal discharge, diarrhea, indigestion, and sudden diarrhea." Also: "Dachangshu and Baliào treat difficult urination and defecation."
《銅人腧穴針灸圖經》 Tóngrén Shùxué Zhēnjiǔ Tújīng: "Treats low back pain, intestinal rumbling, abdominal distension, cutting pain around the navel, difficult urination and defecation, profuse diarrhea, and indigestion."
《醫宗金鑑》 Yīzōng Jīnjiàn (Golden Mirror of Medicine): "Dachangshu treats lumbar spine pain, makes urination and defecation smooth, also treats diarrhea and dysentery—first tonify then reduce, understand this clearly."
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. Locate Dachangshu BL-25 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of L4. Yaoyi EX-B-6 is at the same level but 3 cun lateral to the lower border of L3. 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. EX-B-6 does not belong to the Bladder Channel, but it is located at the place the lateral branch passes.
Caution
Located at L4 level, near the lumbar spinal nerves (L3-L5). Needle perpendicular to appropriate depth; avoid angling medially toward the spinal canal. In thin patients or with deeper needling, there is potential to reach the retroperitoneal space where kidneys and ureters are located anteriorly. Strong stimulation should be used cautiously during pregnancy due to its proximity to the lower abdomen and potential to move qi downward.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the point. Sensation may radiate to the buttock, hip, or down the posterior thigh. With deeper insertion (1.5-2 cun), patients often experience stronger deqi with numbness and tingling radiating toward the foot, sometimes causing a sudden twitch in the lumbar region or affected limb. This radiating sensation is particularly therapeutically significant when treating sciatica.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Organ & Tissue Associations
Back-Shu Point for:
Large Intestine
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