Bladder Meridian
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BL-39
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Knee, Thigh — Posterior
Location
At the lateral end of the popliteal crease, on the medial border of the tendon of biceps femoris muscle, 1 cun lateral to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. It is also 1 cun below Fuxi BL-38.
Main Actions
- Removes obstructions from the Channel
- Controls the Water Passage in the Lower Burner and benefits urination
Indications
Commentary
Weiyang BL-39 is a major point in resolving Dampness or Oedema in the Lower Burner, by stimulating the Body Fluids transformation and excretion from the Bladder. It controls the opening and closing of the water passages.
When the Lower Burner is in Excess patterns such as blocked water passages, Reducing Needling method should be applied to remove the obstructions. Typical manifestations include urinary retention, burning on urination, difficult urination or the ankles Oedema.
On the other hand, When the Qi is Deficient in the Lower Burner, the Water Passage is in a relax state and the Body Fluids failed to be hold, resulting symptoms such as urine incontinence or enuresis. In this case, Tonifying Needling method should be applied to strengthen Qi and tighten the Water passages.
Furthermore, like its neighboring Bladder points, it also removes obstructions from the Channel, characterized by pain and stiffness in the lumber, abdomen, leg and foot.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter on Pathways of Evil Qi in the Fu Organs: "三焦病者，腹胀气满，小腹尤坚，不得小便，窘急，溢则为水，留即为胀……取委阳" — When the San Jiao is diseased, there is abdominal distension and fullness of qi, especially hardness in the lower abdomen, inability to urinate, urgent distress; if it overflows it becomes water retention, if it stagnates it becomes distension... needle Weiyang.
Ling Shu, Chapter on Original Transport Points: "三焦合入于委阳" — The San Jiao unites and enters at Weiyang. This establishes BL-39 as the Lower He-Sea point of the San Jiao.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (ABC of Acupuncture): States that Weiyang is indicated for abdominal distension and pain with retention of urine, emphasizing its role in San Jiao fluid metabolism.
How to Locate
First flex the knee slightly in order to reveal the popliteal crease. Then identify Weizhong BL-40 in the middle of the popliteal crease. Weiyang BL-39 is about 1 cun lateral to BL-40, in a depression medial to the tendon of the long head of the beceps femoris muscle.
Caution
Avoid the common peroneal (fibular) nerve which passes through this region laterally. The popliteal artery and vein lie deeper and more medially near BL-40, but care should still be taken with deep or angled needling. Locate the biceps femoris tendon clearly before needling to ensure accurate placement on its medial border.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun. Caution: N. fibularis communis.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local aching and distension at the popliteal crease, often radiating upward toward the thigh or downward into the calf. The sensation may feel like a dull heaviness in the back of the knee. Some patients experience a distinct pulling sensation along the posterior leg.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Organ & Tissue Associations
Lower He-Sea Point for:
San Jiao
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