Bladder Meridian
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BL-63
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Foot — Dorsum, Ankle
Location
Anterior and inferior to Shenmai BL-62, in the depression lateral to the cuboid bone.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel and eases pain
Indications
Commentary
Jinrnen BL-63 is the Accumulating-Xi point of the Bladder channel. This is where the Qi and Blood that flows superficially from the Well-Jing point, gathers and goes deeper. Most of the Accumulating-Xi points are used to treat acute and Excess symptoms and pain.
For the case of Jinmen BL-63, it is mostly used to remove obstructions from the Bladder Channel. Typical symptoms include the pain in the knee, lower back, leg and external malleolus.
Classical Sources
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Jinmen for treating epilepsy (癫痫), infantile convulsions (小儿惊风), lumbar pain, and pain of the external malleolus.
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Identifies this point as the starting point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), connecting it to the integration of the three Yang channels.
Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties): Describes the Extraordinary Vessels as 'ditches and reservoirs' for managing overflow of Qi and Blood, with BL-63 serving as the gateway to the Yang Wei Mai system.
How to Locate
Palpate along the lateral aspect of the foot on the level of the border of the ‘red and white’ skin, a bony structure can be felt approximately at the midpoint of the foot. This is the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal point. From there, palpate slightly towards the heel and locate Jinmen BL-63 in a depression between the calcaneus and the cuboid bone.
Caution
The area contains minimal soft tissue over bony structures. Ensure accurate point location in the depression between the calcaneus and cuboid bone to avoid needling directly onto periosteum. Use gentle needling technique as the lateral foot can be sensitive. Avoid aggressive manipulation in patients with peripheral neuropathy or compromised circulation.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the lateral foot. Deqi may radiate along the lateral aspect of the foot toward the ankle or proximally along the Bladder channel pathway. Some patients experience a spreading sensation toward the sole of the foot.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
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