BL 31 — Shàng Liáo (上髎) — Upper Bone Hole
On this page
1. Overview
BL 31 — Shàng Liáo (上髎) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Upper Bone Hole, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
In the first sacral foramen.
3. Actions
- Regulates the lower Jiao and uterus
- Moves Qi and Blood in the pelvic region
- Strengthens the lumbar and sacral spine
- Promotes urination and defaecation
4. Indications
- Lumbar and sacral pain
- Irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhoea
- Urinary difficulty and retention
- Constipation
- Sciatica at the sacral level
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun into the foramen.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
BL 31 is the first of the eight sacral foramen points (BL 31–34, the 'Eight Liao'). Used alongside BL 32 for gynaecological and lower back conditions. The Eight Liao points collectively regulate the lower Jiao, uterus, bladder and rectum via their direct access to the sacral nerve roots.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 31 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Back pain, Sciatica, Irregular menstrual cycle. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
