BL 51 — Huāng Mén (肓门) — Vitals Gate
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1. Overview
BL 51 — Huāng Mén (肓门) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Vitals Gate, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used in acupuncture practice as part of channel-balancing prescriptions 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 use BL 51 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Located 3 cun lateral to GV-5 Xuanshu, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra.
3. Actions
- Dispels stagnation
- Benefits the breasts
- Regulates the San Jiao
- Ensure the smooth spread of San Jiao Qi to the Heart
4. Indications
- Epigastric pain
- Great hardness below the Heart
- Constipation
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Paralysis of the lower limb
- Breast disorders
- Pain in the breast
- Mastitis
- Low back pain
5. Needling
Oblique insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
BL 51 Huāng Mén (Vitals Gate) is used as part of channel-balancing prescriptions tailored to the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 51 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Constipation, Back pain. 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.
