BL 32 — Cì Liáo (次髎) — Second Bone Hole
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1. Overview
BL 32 — Cì Liáo (次髎) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Second 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. I practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
In the second sacral foramen.
3. Actions
- Regulates the lower Jiao and uterus
- Moves Blood stasis in the pelvis
- Benefits urination and defaecation
- Activates the meridian and relieves sacral pain
4. Indications
- Dysmenorrhoea — primary sacral point for period pain
- Irregular menstruation and leucorrhoea
- Sacral and lumbar pain
- Sciatica at the sacral level
- Endometriosis pelvic pain
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 32 is the most commonly used of the eight sacral foramen points (BL 31–34). It directly accesses the sacral nerve roots through the second sacral foramen, producing powerful pelvic effects. Combined with SP 8 and SP 6 it is one of the most effective three-point prescriptions for acute dysmenorrhoea. Electroacupuncture at BL 32 has documented evidence for endometriosis-related pelvic pain.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 32 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Endometriosis, Irregular menstrual cycle, Back pain, Sciatica. 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.
