Bladder Meridian
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BL-61
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Ankle, Foot — Dorsum
Location
Posterior and inferior to the external malleolus, directly below Kunlun BL-60, in the depression of the calcaneum at the junction of the red and white skin.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel and eases pain
Indications
Commentary
Rucan BL-61 is not a major point of the Bladder Channel.
Its main function is to remove the obstructions from the Channel, so as to relax the sinews and eases pain.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented this point and its location at the lateral aspect of the heel, at the junction of red and white skin below Kunlun BL-60.
Indications from classical texts: Heaviness of the head like a stone, manic raving, seeing ghosts, loss of consciousness, childhood epilepsy, vomiting, turbid painful urination, lumbar pain, atrophy disorder of the leg, sudden turmoil disorder with cramps, swelling of the knee, pain of the heel.
How to Locate
First identify Kunlun BL-60 in the depression between the malleolus tip and the Achilles tendon. Locate Pucan BL-61 1.5 cun directly below Kunlun BL-60.
Caution
Located over the calcaneus (heel bone) with minimal soft tissue - needle carefully to avoid periosteal contact which can be quite painful. Use shallow insertion only. The area may be sensitive in patients with plantar fasciitis or calcaneal spurs.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the heel area. Deqi may radiate along the lateral foot or up toward the ankle. Due to the location on the calcaneus with relatively thin tissue over bone, sensation may be more pronounced.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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