Bladder Meridian
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BL-28
Needle Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Back — Sacral
Location
At the level of the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, in the depression between the medial border of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the sacrum.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Bladder and benefits urination
- Resolves Damp-Heat
- Strengthens the lower back
- Removes Stagnation and resolves masses
Indications
Enuresis
Sciatica
Dark Urine
Sacrum pain
Turbid urine
Vaginal pain
Constipation
Leg numbness
Renal stones
Buttocks pain
Swelling penis
Abdominal pain
Abdominal mass
Sacrum stiffnes
Lower back pain
Genitalia ulcers
Vaginal swelling
Urinary retention
Genitalia swollen
Genitalia itching
Urinary difficulty
Lower back stiffness
Commentary
As the Back Transporting-Shu point of the Bladder, Pangguangshu BL-28 is mostly used to regulate the Organ. It opens the water passages in the Lower Burner so as to treat urinary disorders, such as difficult urination, dark and turbid urine, retention of urine as well as enuresis. To ensure the dirty Body Fluids are properly transformed and excreted, BL-28 is often stimulated together with Pishu BL-20.
Furthermore, it also resolves Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner. Typical symptoms include pain and burning urination as well as swelling, ulcers as well as pain and itching of genitals, vagina and penis. It also expel renal stones, if combined with Shenshu BL-23 and Yinlingquan SP-9.
Like other Bladder points on the Lower back, BL-28 strengthens the lower back as well. It can be stimulated to treat stiffness and pain of the lower back, sacrum as well as buttocks and legs.
Finally, Pangguangshu BL-28 removes Stagnation, characterized by abdominal pain and masses as well as constipation.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented this point, locating it at "the nineteenth vertebra, 1.5 cun bilateral to the spine."
《备急千金要方》 (Beiji Qianjin Yaofang - Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Records that this point can treat "firm nodules and accumulations" (坚结积聚).
《针灸大成》 (Zhenjiu Dacheng - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Emphasizes the point's effectiveness for abnormal urination conditions.
How to Locate
First locate the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). From the rima ani, palpate 3 cun (1 handbreadth) in a superior and lateral direction at a 45° angle, until feel a distinct bony ridge, which is often superficially visible by a dimple. Pangguangshu BL-28 is located slightly inferiorly and medially to the PSIS, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline on the level of the 2nd sacral foramen. 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
As a sacral point, use moderate stimulation during pregnancy. Ensure proper angle to avoid discomfort when needling over the sacral bone. The point corresponds to the S2-S3 neurological level which innervates the bladder sphincter, so strong stimulation may affect bladder control temporarily.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun. For local disorders, slightly oblique insertion towards the iliosacral joint.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Soreness, distension, and heaviness at the local area. Deqi sensation may radiate toward the sacrum, buttocks, or down the leg. Some patients experience a sensation of warmth spreading through the lower back and pelvic region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Organ & Tissue Associations
Back-Shu Point for:
Urinary Bladder
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