Bladder Meridian
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BL-51
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Back — Lower (Lumbar)
Location
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra (L1).
Main Actions
- Regulates the Triple Burner
- Benefits the breasts
Indications
Commentary
Huangmen BL-51 is at the same level as Sanjiaoshu BL-22, which is the Back-Transporting-Shu point of the Triple Burner. Thus, it has some functions of the BL-22, although it is much less important.
The Triple Burner is like the 'ambassador' through which the Original Qi comes out of the Kidneys and spreads to the five Zang and six Fu Organs and 12 Channels. BL-51 helps to regulates the Qi of the Triple Burner.
'Huang' refers to the space between the Heart and diaphragm which is near breasts. In fact it is indicated for many breasts related disharmony.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Huangmen among the points of the lateral Bladder channel, noting its location at the level of the first lumbar vertebra.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Indicates the point for abdominal pain, masses, and constipation. Notes its relationship to the Triple Burner function.
Regarding the name 'Huang' (肓): Classical texts explain that 'Huang' refers to the vital membranes or fatty tissues connecting the Heart and diaphragm region—the space where Original Qi circulates. This point serves as a 'gate' (Men/门) to access and regulate this vital area.
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 first lumber vertebra (L1) by counting three up. Locate Huangmen BL-51 3 cun lateral to the lower border of L1. Sanjiaoshu BL-22 is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to T12. 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
This point lies directly over the kidney region. Deep perpendicular needling or improper needle angle carries substantial risk of injuring the kidney. Always use oblique insertion directed laterally or medially, never straight posteriorly. Limit depth to 0.5-1 cun maximum. Verify patient body habitus—thinner patients require extra caution with even shallower insertion.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Kidneys.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading laterally across the lower back. Deqi may radiate toward the abdomen or along the Bladder channel. Avoid deep needling to prevent kidney injury.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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