Bladder Meridian
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BL-26
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 5th lumber vertebra (L5).
Main Actions
- Strengthens the lower back
- Invigorates Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner
Indications
Commentary
Despite that Guanyuanshu BL-26 is not a major point, it is still widely used as a local point in treating chronic lower back pain, stiffness and weakness, no matter if the disorder is bilateral or unilateral. Other typical symptoms include sciatica, buttocks pain as well as difficulty in bending the back. For this purpose, it is often combined with Shenshu BL-23.
BL-26 also invigorates Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner, thus it eases pain, distension and masses in the abdomen. It also benefits the urination.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Located below the 17th vertebra (L5), 1.5 cun lateral to the spine on both sides, locate with patient prone. Indications: wind-taxation lumbar pain, diarrhea, deficiency distension, difficult urination, women's abdominal masses and various disorders."
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): References this point for treating lower back disorders related to deficiency conditions and regulating the lower burner functions.
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. Then identify the spinous process of the 5th lumber vertebra (L5) by counting one down. Locate Guanyuanshu BL-26 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of L5. 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.
Caution
Although not a dangerous point, care should be taken with deep needling in thin patients. The lumbar region has underlying structures including the lumbar plexus within the psoas major muscle. Ensure proper perpendicular angle to avoid angled insertion toward deeper structures. Use caution during pregnancy as this point is in close proximity to the lower abdomen's energetic connections.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the point site. May produce an electric or tingling sensation radiating to the lower limb or buttocks. Deqi (arrival of qi sensation) typically manifests as deep aching in the lumbar region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
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