Bladder Meridian
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BL-5
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Forehead, Head — Vertex
Location
1 cun within the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It is also 0.5 cun posterior to Quchai BL-4.
Main Actions
- Expels Interior Wind
- Subdues Rebellious Liver Qi
Commentary
Like its neighboring points of the Bladder Channel, Wuchu BL-5 is able to expel Wind, especially the Interior Wind of Governing Vessel. Thus it treats symptoms such as epilepsy, convulsions or spine rigidity in children during a febrile disease.
Furthermore, it subdues Liver Yang and Rebellious Liver Qi.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): The point is referenced in the classical channel pathway descriptions of the Foot Taiyang Bladder meridian as it ascends over the forehead.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Wuchu treats headache, dizziness, and epilepsy. It can be used for rigidity of the spine and opisthotonos (backward arching of the body) in children with febrile convulsions."
Baidu Encyclopedia on the name meaning: The name "Wuchu" (五处, Five Places) refers to how this point receives qi from all five directions (East, South, West, North, and Center), as the qi from the previous point Quchai disperses and qi from the surrounding head area converges at this location.
How to Locate
Measure 1 cun within the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline. On the other hand, this point is at the medial third and lateral two-thirds of the distance from anterior midline to the line vertically from Touwei ST-8. Shangxing DU-23 is located at the same level and on the midline.
Caution
Located on the scalp over the frontal bone. Only transverse (subcutaneous) needling is appropriate—perpendicular or deep needling risks periosteal irritation or bruising. Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulants due to the vascular nature of the scalp. The area may bleed easily upon needle removal; apply pressure if needed.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Transversely 0.5–1 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension, heaviness, or a dull ache spreading across the forehead. Due to the thin tissue over the skull, sensation is typically mild. Some patients report a feeling of pressure or tingling radiating along the scalp.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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