Bladder Channel

Zutonggu BL-66

Chinese: 足通骨

Pinyin: Zú Tōng Gǔ

Location

In the depression distal and inferior to the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint, at the lateral border of the foot. 

How to locate

Palpate along the bony structures on the lateral aspect of the foot, a prominent bony landmark can be felt approximately at the midpoint of the foot. This is the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal bone.

Palpate from there towards the toes, a further bony structure can be felt, which is the head of the 5th metatarsal bone.

Locate Zutonggu BL-66 distal to the 5th metatarsal bone, in a depression distal and inferior to the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint

Main actions

  1. Clears Heat
  2. Ascends the Clear Qi to the head

Indications

Red eyes Cystitis Dizziness Heavy head Bloody nose Burning urination Urinary difficulty Scanty and dark urine

Needling

Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun.

Caution: Painful point.

Commentary for Zutonggu BL-66

Zutonggu BL-66 is the Spring-Ying point, which makes it very effective in clearing Heat in the Bladder Channel, particularly in the eyes, nose and the urinary system. Typical manifestations include difficult or burning urination, scanty dark urine, red eyes and nosebleed.

Furthermore,  it ascends the clear Qi to the head and expels the Dampness, which is responsible for symptoms such as heaviness or dizziness of the head.