Bladder meridian

BL-51 (Huāngmén, 肓门) — Vitals Gate

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Outer branch point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel in the upper lumbar region.
Depth reference
0.3-0.5 cun oblique, individualized to body build and upper-lumbar organ depth
Moxibustion
Applicable as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL51; Huangmen; 肓门; Vitals Gate

Anatomical location

In the lumbar region, level with the lower edge of the L1 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.

Traditional actions

Traditionally regulates the Sanjiao, moves qi in the abdomen, and eases the lumbar region.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include abdominal pain, constipation, breast masses, and low-back pain.

Secondary: Secondary uses include urinary difficulty and digestive 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) BL51, p. 125
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 51 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 51: indications, method, moxibustion, lumbar innervation and vasculature
  4. An Exploration of the Needling Depth in Acupuncture Section 3.1 and cited BL51 MRI safe-depth research
  5. WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, liver, spleen and kidney

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-51 located?

In the lumbar region, level with the lower edge of the L1 spinous process and 3 body-cun from the posterior midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-51?

Traditionally regulates the Sanjiao, moves qi in the abdomen, and eases the lumbar region. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include abdominal pain, constipation, breast masses, and low-back pain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include urinary difficulty and digestive weakness.

Is BL-51 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-51 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.