Bladder Meridian
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BL-29
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Back — Sacral
Location
At the level of the 3rd posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Main Actions
- Benefits the lumbar region
- Expels Coldness
Indications
No sweating
Shan disorder
Cold intestines
Spine stiffness
Lumbar spine pain
Abdominal distention
Lumbar spine stiffness
Lateral costal region pain
Commentary
Zhonglushu BL-29 is not a major point.
Its main action is to benefit the lumbar region and expel Coldness.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Classic of the Spiritual Pivot) - Ci Jie Zhen Xie (刺节真邪): First documented reference to this point as 'Zhonglü' (中膂).
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (针灸甲乙经, Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Zhonglushu is located below the 20th vertebra" (中膂俞，在第二十椎下).
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (针灸大成, Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Below the 20th vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the spine on both sides, beside the protruding spinal muscles, located prone. Needle 3 fen, retain for 10 breaths, moxa 3 cones. For lower back pain radiating into the spine, pain that responds when pressing from top to bottom, pain from neck to this point - all suitable for moxibustion. Treats Kidney deficiency with wasting and thirsting, stiff spine unable to bend forward or backward, intestinal cold with red and white dysentery, hernia pain, no sweating, abdominal distension and hypochondriac pain."
How to Locate
First 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 palpate in an inferior direction, passing L5, and reach the most superior 1st sacral foramen. Palpate further down for two sacral foramens and locate the 3rd one in a depression. Locate Zhonglushu BL-29 at the same level of the 3rd sacral foramen and 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline. 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
Exercise caution during pregnancy - some classical sources advise avoiding needling in pregnant patients. Ensure proper prone positioning for accurate point location. When needling, direct the needle slightly medially to engage the deeper muscular structures safely.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension in the sacral region, with possible radiation downward toward the buttocks or hip area. Deqi sensation may include a dull ache that spreads along the lower back.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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