Bladder meridian

BL-31 (Shàngliáo, 上髎) — Upper Crevice

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
First point of the Baliao group in the posterior sacral foramina.
Depth reference
0.8-1.2 cun perpendicular at the first posterior sacral foramen; professional anatomical localization is required
Moxibustion
Applicable outside pregnancy as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL31; Shangliao; 上髎; Upper Crevice

Anatomical location

In the first posterior sacral foramen.

Traditional actions

Traditionally regulates the lower burner, benefits the lumbar region, and moves local qi and blood.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include sacral pain, sciatica, urinary difficulty, menstrual irregularity, and reproductive disorders.

Secondary: Secondary uses include constipation and lower abdominal pain.

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) BL31, p. 115
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 31 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 31: indications, method, moxibustion and first-sacral-foramen anatomy
  4. Development of an Acupuncture Point Imaging Database Table 1 and discussion, BL31 high-risk imaging point
  5. WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 2.1, pregnancy
  6. The Safety of Obstetric Acupuncture: Forbidden Points Revisited Identifying sources of concern and relevant outcomes

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-31 located?

In the first posterior sacral foramen.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-31?

Traditionally regulates the lower burner, benefits the lumbar region, and moves local qi and blood. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include sacral pain, sciatica, urinary difficulty, menstrual irregularity, and reproductive disorders. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include constipation and lower abdominal pain.

Is BL-31 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-31 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.