Bladder meridian

BL-26 (Guānyuánshù, 关元俞) — Origin Gate Shu

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Regional point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel named for Guanyuan.
Depth reference
0.8-1.2 cun perpendicular, individualized to BMI and lumbosacral soft-tissue thickness
Moxibustion
Applicable as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL26; Guanyuanshu; 关元俞; Origin Gate Shu

Anatomical location

In the lumbar region, level with the lower edge of the L5 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.

Traditional actions

Traditionally warms and regulates the lower burner and relieves lumbar pain.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include low-back pain, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and urinary difficulty.

Secondary: Secondary uses include menstrual irregularity and leg weakness.

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) BL26, p. 112
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 26 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 26: method, moxibustion and lumbar neurovascular anatomy
  4. An Exploration of the Needling Depth in Acupuncture Table 2 and section 3.1.2, BL26 BMI and soft-tissue findings

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-26 located?

In the lumbar region, level with the lower edge of the L5 spinous process and 1.5 body-cun from the posterior midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-26?

Traditionally warms and regulates the lower burner and relieves lumbar pain. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include low-back pain, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and urinary difficulty. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include menstrual irregularity and leg weakness.

Is BL-26 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-26 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.