Bladder meridian

BL-65 (Shùgǔ, 束骨) — Restraining Bone

Meridian
Bladder (BL)
Anatomical view
lateral
Point classification
Shu-stream and Wood point of the Bladder channel.
Depth reference
0.3-0.5 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Applicable as non-scarring moxa
Reference aliases
BL65; Shugu; 束骨; Restraining Bone

Anatomical location

On the lateral foot, in the hollow just behind the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint at the junction of plantar and dorsal skin.

Traditional actions

Traditionally clears heat, settles wind, and relieves pain along the Taiyang channel.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include occipital headache, neck stiffness, back pain, lateral foot pain, and dizziness.

Secondary: Secondary uses include eye redness, hearing difficulty, and seizure patterns.

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) BL65, p. 132
  2. Acupuncture.com Point Locator - Urinary Bladder 65 English name, classification, indications, functions and needling
  3. TARA Acupuncture Knowledge Base BL 65: special-point role, indications, method, moxibustion, innervation and vasculature

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL-65 located?

On the lateral foot, in the hollow just behind the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint at the junction of plantar and dorsal skin.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for BL-65?

Traditionally clears heat, settles wind, and relieves pain along the Taiyang channel. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include occipital headache, neck stiffness, back pain, lateral foot pain, and dizziness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include eye redness, hearing difficulty, and seizure patterns.

Is BL-65 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify BL-65 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.