Shenmai BL-62 location
BL-62

Shenmai BL-62

Extending Vessel · 申脉 · Shēn Mài
Bladder Meridian
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point

Needle Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)

Body Area

Ankle, Foot — Dorsum

Location

In the depression directly below the lateral malleolus tip.

Main Actions

  • Removes Obstructions from the Channel and eases pain
  • Benefits eyes
  • Regulates the Yang Stepping Vessel
  • Pacifies Interior Wind and expels Exterior Wind

Commentary

Shenmai BL-62 is the opening and beginning of the Yang Stepping Vessel (Yang Qiao Mai) and many of its functions are related to this attribute. 

First of all, the Yang Step Vessel controls the body movement and agility. Thus Shenman BL-62 treats the Painful Obstruction Syndrome due to Cold invading the Channel and Vessels. It is able to ease pain as well as stiffness on the neck, occiput, back and legs by relaxing the tendons and muscles. 

Shenmai BL-62 benefits the eyes as well. The Yang Step Vessel runs to the eyes and meets the Yin Stepping Vessel at Jingming BL-1 of the inner canthus. If these two Vessels are in harmony, they bring balanced Yin and Yang energy to the eyes, which are properly moistened and in good status. If not, some symptoms occur such as red or painful eyes.

Zhaohai KI-6 is part of the Yin Stepping Vessel and it is often used together with BL-62 to treat insomnia or somnolence. For example, when Deficient Yin Stepping Vessel energy reaches the eyes, KI-6 should be needled with Tonifying Needling method. At the same time, BL-62 should be needled with Reducing method to treat insomnia. Vice versa for somnolence. 

Furthermore, Yin and Yang Stepping Vessel also harmonized the left and right of the Yin Yang Channels. Some symptoms can be improved by stimulating the point such as one leg being longer than the other, one scapula being higher than the other or sweating only on on side of the body. 

BL-62 pacifies Interior Wind as well. Therefore, it treats epilepsy, but only if the attacks happen during daytime. While Zhaohai KI-6 should be used if the Wind attacks during the night time. Other manifestations include opisthotonos, lockjaw, tremors, Wind-stroke as well as deviation of eye and mouth. On top of that, BL-62 also expels Exterior Wind, so as to treat symptoms such as aversion to cold, fever, occipital headache and stiffness. 

Finally, the point calms the Mind, so that it is able to treat manic behavior. 

Classical Sources

《黄帝内经素问·缪刺论》 (Huangdi Neijing Suwen - Miu Ci Lun): "When pathogenic qi invades the Yang Qiao vessel causing eye pain starting from the inner canthus, needle below the lateral malleolus at half a cun, two needles, left for right and right for left."

《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing): "Cold-heat with swelling of the neck and axilla, Shenmai governs it. Lower back pain with inability to lift the body, cold feet unable to stand or sit long, Shenmai governs it." Also: "Epileptic madness with rigidity and falling, Shenmai governs it."

《铜人腧穴针灸图经》 (Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing): "Lower back pain, inability to lift the body, cold lower legs, cannot stand or sit for long, pain upon stepping down from carriages or boats."

《针灸资生经》 (Zhenjiu Zisheng Jing): "Shenmai, Houxi, and Qiangu treat epilepsy."

《标幽赋》 (Biao You Fu): "Combine with Jinmen to treat headache from head wind."

How to Locate

First identify the tip of the lateral malleolus. Then identify Shenmai BL-62 in a depression below the lower border of the malleolus and above the tendons of the peroneus muscle, in the joint space between the talus and calcaneus.

Caution

Located near the lateral malleolus and peroneal tendons. Avoid overly deep or aggressive needling to prevent injury to the tendons. Use care during pregnancy as this point influences the extraordinary vessels. The point is near the small saphenous vein and lateral malleolar arterial network - observe for excessive bleeding in patients with bleeding disorders.

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. The needle may reach the calcaneofibular ligaments superior to the tendons of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles, possibly also the joint space.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Deqi typically manifests as distension and soreness around the lateral ankle area. The sensation may radiate along the lateral aspect of the foot or upward along the outer leg following the Bladder channel pathway. Some patients experience a spreading sensation toward the sole or lateral toes.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 5–10 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

N/A

Gua Sha

Questionable

Special Point Classifications

Sun Si Miao Ghost Point

Extraordinary Vessel Connection

Confluent Point opens to:

Yang Qiao Mai (陽蹻脈)

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