Bladder meridian
BL-50 (Wèicāng, 胃仓) — Stomach Granary
- Meridian
- Bladder (BL)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Outer Bladder-channel point aligned with the Stomach back-shu level.
- Depth reference
- 0.3-0.5 cun oblique at the T12/subcostal transition; individual anatomy determines the safe limit
- Moxibustion
- Applicable as non-scarring moxa
- Reference aliases
- BL50; Weicang; 胃仓; Stomach Granary
Anatomical location
On the back, level with the lower edge of the T12 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally harmonizes the Stomach, strengthens digestion, and reduces food stagnation.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include epigastric pain, poor appetite, abdominal distension, nausea, and infantile food accumulation.
Secondary: Secondary uses include back pain and edema.
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.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) BL50, p. 124
- Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 50 English name, indications, functions and needling
- TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 50: indications, method, moxibustion, subcostal innervation and vasculature
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, chest, back and abdomen
Frequently asked questions
Where is BL-50 located?
On the back, level with the lower edge of the T12 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-50?
Traditionally harmonizes the Stomach, strengthens digestion, and reduces food stagnation. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include epigastric pain, poor appetite, abdominal distension, nausea, and infantile food accumulation. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include back pain and edema.
Is BL-50 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify BL-50 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.