Bladder meridian
BL-23 (Shènshù, 肾俞) — Kidney Shu
- Meridian
- Bladder (BL)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Back-shu point of the Kidney.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-1.0 cun perpendicular, individualized to BMI, soft-tissue thickness, and kidney depth
- Moxibustion
- Applicable as non-scarring moxa
- Reference aliases
- BL23; Shenshu; 肾俞; Kidney Shu
Anatomical location
In the lumbar region, level with the lower edge of the L2 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally tonifies Kidney qi and essence, supports the low back, and regulates urination.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include chronic low-back weakness, urinary disorders, reproductive deficiency patterns, tinnitus, and fatigue.
Secondary: Secondary uses include edema, asthma linked with Kidney deficiency, and poor memory.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) BL23, p. 111
- Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 23 English name, classification, indications, functions and needling
- TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 23: back-shu role, indications, method, moxibustion and lumbar anatomy
- Development of an Acupuncture Point Imaging Database Table 1 and discussion, BL23 high-risk imaging point
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, liver, spleen and kidney
Frequently asked questions
Where is BL-23 located?
In the lumbar region, level with the lower edge of the L2 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-23?
Traditionally tonifies Kidney qi and essence, supports the low back, and regulates urination. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include chronic low-back weakness, urinary disorders, reproductive deficiency patterns, tinnitus, and fatigue. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include edema, asthma linked with Kidney deficiency, and poor memory.
Is BL-23 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify BL-23 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.