Bladder meridian

BL-56 (Chéngjīn, 承筋) — Sinew Support

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Regional point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel on the calf.
Depth reference
1.0-1.5 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Applicable as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL56; Chengjin; 承筋; Sinew Support

Anatomical location

On the back of the leg between the gastrocnemius bellies, 5 body-cun below the popliteal crease.

Traditional actions

Traditionally relaxes the sinews, benefits the calf, and eases the lower back.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include calf spasm, leg pain, low-back pain, and hemorrhoids.

Secondary: Secondary uses include heel pain and difficulty standing.

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) BL56, p. 127
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 56 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 56: indications, method, moxibustion, tibial innervation and vasculature

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-56 located?

On the back of the leg between the gastrocnemius bellies, 5 body-cun below the popliteal crease.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-56?

Traditionally relaxes the sinews, benefits the calf, and eases the lower back. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include calf spasm, leg pain, low-back pain, and hemorrhoids. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include heel pain and difficulty standing.

Is BL-56 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-56 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.