Bladder Meridian
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BL-59
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Posterior, Lower Leg — Lateral, Ankle
Location
On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above Kunlun BL-60.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel and eases pain
- Benefits the back and legs
Indications
Leg pain
Sciatica
Weak legs
Thigh pain
Stiff legs
Heavy legs
Leg ulcers
Leg atrophy
Lower back pain
Lower back stiffness
Lateral malleolus redness
Lateral malleolus swelling
Commentary
Fuyang BL-59 is the Accumulation-Xi point of the Yang Stepping Vessel. Both concepts promote movement and agility, especially in the back and legs.
BL-59 is widely used as a distal point in treating chronic lower back pain as well as weakness of the legs and back. It enhances the muscles and make the movement easier.
Classical Sources
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Fuyang as the Xi-Cleft point of the Yang Qiao Mai, indicating its use for acute painful conditions of the legs and back.
Zhen Jiu Xue (Acupuncture Studies): "[Indications include] headache, lumbosacral pain, atrophy-flaccidity and painful obstruction of the lower limbs, redness and swelling of the lateral malleolus."
Ling Shu (Divine Pivot): Describes the Yang Qiao Mai pathway passing through this point region, emphasizing its role in controlling the muscular movement of the lower limbs.
How to Locate
First identify Kunlun BL-60 in the depressions between the malleolus tip and the Achilles tendon. Locate Fuyang BL-59 3 cun directly above Kunlun BL-60 and on the lateral aspect of the lower leg.
Caution
Exercise care when needling patients with ankle edema or compromised circulation in the lower extremities. The point is located near the small saphenous vein and sural nerve, so proper technique is important to avoid these structures. Pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare professional before stimulation of this point due to its connection with the Yang Qiao Mai.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness locally, with possible radiation toward the ankle or up the lateral aspect of the lower leg. Some patients may experience a sensation traveling along the Yang Qiao Mai pathway. Deqi may manifest as a dull ache spreading to the lateral malleolus region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
Related Resources
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