Bladder Meridian
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BL-38
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Thigh — Posterior, Knee
Location
On the laterodorsal aspect of the knee, 1 cun superior and 1 cun lateral to Weizhong BL-40 which is in the center of the popliteal crease. It is also 1 cun above Weiyang BL-39, on the medial side of the tendon biceps femoris muscle.
Main Actions
- Relaxes the sinews and eases pain
- Clears Heat
Indications
Commentary
Fuxi BL-38 is not a major point of the Bladder Channel.
Its main action is to relax the sinews and ease pain around the legs and knees area.
It also clears Heat and eases contraction.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Fuxi as a point of the Bladder channel located above Weiyang, on the medial border of the biceps femoris tendon.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Indicates Fuxi for numbness and pain in the gluteal and femoral regions, as well as contracture of the popliteal tendons.
How to Locate
First flex the knee slightly in order to reveal the popliteal crease. Then force the knee against resistance so that the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle becomes more pronounced and visible. Fuxi BL-38 is located 1 cun superior to the knee joint on the medial border of the tendon.
Caution
Avoid needling into the popliteal artery and vein which run through the popliteal fossa. Ensure the knee is slightly flexed during point location to properly identify the biceps femoris tendon. Insert the needle carefully to avoid hitting the tibial or common peroneal nerves in the region.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–2 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Soreness and distension locally at the popliteal region. Deqi may radiate along the posterior thigh or down toward the lower leg. Some patients experience a heavy or aching sensation in the knee area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
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