Bladder meridian

BL-24 (Qìhǎishù, 气海俞) — Sea of Qi Shu

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Regional point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel named for the Sea of Qi.
Depth reference
0.5-1.0 cun perpendicular, reduced when body build or renal anatomy gives a smaller safety margin
Moxibustion
Applicable as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL24; Qihaishu; 气海俞; Sea of Qi Shu

Anatomical location

In the lumbar region, level with the lower edge of the L3 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.

Traditional actions

Traditionally strengthens qi, regulates the lower burner, and eases the lumbar region.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include low-back pain, menstrual irregularity, abdominal discomfort, and hemorrhoids.

Secondary: Secondary uses include leg weakness and fatigue.

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.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) BL24, p. 111
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 24 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 24: indications, method, moxibustion and lumbar innervation
  4. An Exploration of the Needling Depth in Acupuncture Sections 3.1.2-3.1.5, individual variation in safe back-point depth
  5. StatPearls - Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Kidneys Gross anatomy, T12-L3 position and posterior relations of the renal lower poles

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-24 located?

In the lumbar region, level with the lower edge of the L3 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-24?

Traditionally strengthens qi, regulates the lower burner, and eases the lumbar region. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include low-back pain, menstrual irregularity, abdominal discomfort, and hemorrhoids. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include leg weakness and fatigue.

Is BL-24 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-24 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.