Bladder Meridian
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BL-27
Needle Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Back — Sacral
Location
At the level of the 1st posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Small Intestine function
- Resolves Dampness and benefits urination
Indications
Commentary
As the Back Transporting-Shu point of the Small Intestine, Xiaochangshu BL-27 is indicated for any Small Intestine related disorders.
Most importantly, it promotes the Small Intestine's function of receiving ripened foods and drinks from the Stomach and separating them to 'clean' and 'dirty' parts. The clean part is sent to the Bladder for excretion, while the dirty part goes to the Large Intestine to be absorbed again and eventually gets excreted through stools.
Patients with impaired Small Intestine function suffer from typical symptoms such as diarrhoea, blood and mucus in the stools, constipation, difficult bowel evacuation or abdominal pain.
Since the Small Intestine and Bladder Channels belong to the Greater Yang, these two Organs are closely linked. Therefore, Xiaochangshu BL-27 resolves Dampness from the Lower Burner and benefits urination. Typical symptoms include cloudy and dark urine, difficult and burning urination as well as retention of urine.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Treats lower abdominal pain radiating to the testicles, pulling pain in the lumbar spine, rushing upward to the Heart, stiffness of the lumbar spine, dark yellow-red urine, and dry mouth."
Zhenjiu Dacheng (針灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Treats Bladder and San Jiao fluid deficiency, cold and heat of the Large and Small Intestines, red and difficult urination, dribbling incontinence, distension and fullness of the lower abdomen, diarrhea with pus and blood, five-colored dysentery with tenesmus, swelling and pain, five types of hemorrhoids, headache, weakness with thirst, unbearable dry mouth, and women's leukorrhea."
How to Locate
First locate the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). From the rima ani, palpate 3 cun (1 handbreadth) in a superior and lateral direction at a 45° angle, until feel a distinct bony ridge, which is often superficially visible by a dimple. Xiaochangshu BL-27 is located slightly superiorly and medially to the PSIS, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, on the level of the first sacral foramen. 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
Located over the sacrum, ensure proper angle (perpendicular) to avoid discomfort. The point lies near the first sacral foramen, so precise location is important. Avoid overly deep needling in thin patients. The first sacral nerve posterior branch runs in this region.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the sacral region, possibly radiating to the lower abdomen, gluteal area, or down to the posterior thigh. Some patients may feel sensation referring to the lower abdominal or pelvic region, reflecting the point's connection to the Small Intestine and urogenital organs.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Organ & Tissue Associations
Back-Shu Point for:
Small Intestine
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