Bladder meridian

BL-34 (Xiàliáo, 下髎) — Lower Crevice

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Fourth point of the Baliao group in the posterior sacral foramina.
Depth reference
0.8-1.2 cun perpendicular at the fourth posterior sacral foramen; professional anatomical localization is required
Moxibustion
Applicable outside pregnancy as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL34; Xialiao; 下髎; Lower Crevice

Anatomical location

In the fourth posterior sacral foramen, level with the sacral hiatus.

Traditional actions

Traditionally regulates the lower burner, benefits the pelvic region, and relieves sacral pain.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include sacral pain, sciatica, urinary or bowel dysfunction, menstrual disorders, and reproductive discharge.

Secondary: Secondary uses include lower abdominal pain and hemorrhoids.

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) BL34, p. 116
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 34 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 34: indications, method, moxibustion and fourth-sacral-foramen anatomy
  4. Development of an Acupuncture Point Imaging Database Table 1 and discussion, BL34 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-34 located?

In the fourth posterior sacral foramen, level with the sacral hiatus.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-34?

Traditionally regulates the lower burner, benefits the pelvic region, and relieves sacral pain. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include sacral pain, sciatica, urinary or bowel dysfunction, menstrual disorders, and reproductive discharge. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include lower abdominal pain and hemorrhoids.

Is BL-34 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-34 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.