Bladder Meridian
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BL-50
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Back — Upper (Thoracic)
Location
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12).
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Indications
Commentary
Weicang BL-50 is not an important point of the Bladder Channel.
Its main point is to regulate the Middle Burner.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing / The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented the point Weicang, establishing its location and clinical applications.
《黄帝内经素问·灵兰秘典论》 (Huangdi Neijing Suwen / Yellow Emperor's Classic - Plain Questions): "脾胃者，仓廪之官，五味出焉" - "The Spleen and Stomach are the officials of the granaries, from which the five flavors emerge." This explains the naming of Weicang (Stomach Granary), as the Stomach receives and stores food like a granary.
《针灸资生经》 (Zhenjiu Zisheng Jing): Mentions an alternative location "除脊各三寸取穴" (3 cun lateral to the spine).
How to Locate
First locate the spinous process of T7, which is level with the inferior angle of the scapula, when the patient is seated with their arms hanging down. T12 is five thoracic vertebrae below. Or 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 12th thoracic vertebra (T12) by counting four up. Weicang BL-50 is 3 cun lateral to the lower border of T12. Weishu BL-21 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
Deep perpendicular needling or needling in the wrong direction carries a substantial risk of causing pneumothorax. Always needle obliquely toward the lateral direction. This point lies over the lower ribs near the pleural cavity - never needle deeply or medially. Use proper patient positioning (prone or prone-seated) and maintain strict angle control.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Obliquely 0.3–0.8 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax, especially with asthenic patients or patients with emphysema.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point, which may radiate toward the spine or laterally across the back. Some patients may feel a connection to the epigastric region when the point is properly stimulated.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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