Bladder meridian

BL-38 (Fúxì, 浮郄) — Superficial Cleft

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Regional point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel above the lateral popliteal fossa.
Depth reference
0.5-1.0 cun perpendicular with careful identification of the biceps femoris tendon
Moxibustion
Applicable as non-scarring moxa; avoid direct burning over vessels or tendon
Reference aliases
BL38; Fuxi; 浮郄; Superficial Cleft

Anatomical location

Just medial to the biceps femoris tendon, 1 body-cun above the popliteal crease.

Traditional actions

Traditionally relaxes the sinews, clears channel heat, and relieves pain.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include knee pain, posterior thigh tightness, numbness, and lower abdominal urgency.

Secondary: Secondary uses include constipation and urinary difficulty.

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) BL38, p. 118
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 38 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 38: indications, method, moxibustion, innervation and popliteal vasculature

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-38 located?

Just medial to the biceps femoris tendon, 1 body-cun above the popliteal crease.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-38?

Traditionally relaxes the sinews, clears channel heat, and relieves pain. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include knee pain, posterior thigh tightness, numbness, and lower abdominal urgency. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include constipation and urinary difficulty.

Is BL-38 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-38 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.