Bladder meridian
BL-53 (Bāohuāng, 胞肓) — Bladder Vitals
- Meridian
- Bladder (BL)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Outer branch point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel at the S2 level.
- Depth reference
- 0.8-1.2 cun perpendicular, individualized to gluteal thickness and superior gluteal neurovascular anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Applicable outside pregnancy as non-scarring moxa
- Reference aliases
- BL53; Baohuang; 胞肓; Bladder Vitals
Anatomical location
In the buttock region, level with the second posterior sacral foramen and 3 body-cun from the median sacral crest.
Traditional actions
Traditionally regulates the Bladder, benefits the lower burner, and activates the local channel.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include urinary retention, abdominal distension, sacral pain, and sciatica.
Secondary: Secondary uses include constipation and leg 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.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) BL53, p. 126
- Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 53 English name, indications, functions and needling
- TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 53: indications, method, moxibustion, gluteal innervation and vasculature
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 2.1, pregnancy; regional lumbosacral precaution
Frequently asked questions
Where is BL-53 located?
In the buttock region, level with the second posterior sacral foramen and 3 body-cun from the median sacral crest.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-53?
Traditionally regulates the Bladder, benefits the lower burner, and activates the local channel. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include urinary retention, abdominal distension, sacral pain, and sciatica. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include constipation and leg weakness.
Is BL-53 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify BL-53 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.