Bladder meridian

BL-57 (Chéngshān, 承山) — Supporting Mountain

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
posterior
Point classification
Major regional point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel for the calf and anorectal region.
Depth reference
0.8-1.2 cun perpendicular, adjusted to calf thickness
Moxibustion
Indirect or non-scarring moxa only; direct moxa is avoided over tendon
Reference aliases
BL57; Chengshan; 承山; Supporting Mountain

Anatomical location

At the back of the calf where the two gastrocnemius bellies meet the calcaneal tendon, in the pointed hollow that appears with plantar flexion.

Traditional actions

Traditionally relaxes the sinews, clears channel heat, and benefits the hemorrhoidal region.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include calf cramp, heel pain, sciatica, low-back pain, and hemorrhoids.

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.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) BL57, p. 128
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 57 English name, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 57: indications, method, moxibustion, tibial innervation and calf vasculature
  4. WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.1, direct moxa near a tendon

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-57 located?

At the back of the calf where the two gastrocnemius bellies meet the calcaneal tendon, in the pointed hollow that appears with plantar flexion.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-57?

Traditionally relaxes the sinews, clears channel heat, and benefits the hemorrhoidal region. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include calf cramp, heel pain, sciatica, low-back pain, and hemorrhoids. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include constipation and leg weakness.

Is BL-57 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-57 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.