BL 53 — Bāo Huāng (胞肓) — Bladder's Vitals
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1. Overview
BL 53 — Bāo Huāng (胞肓) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Bladder's Vitals, 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 53 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
1 cun lateral to the median sacral crest, at the level of second sacral foramen.
3. Actions
- Benefits the lumbar region
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
- Regulates the Lower Jiao
- Benefits urination
- Opens water passageways in the Lower Jiao
- Stimulates the transformation and excretion of fluids
4. Indications
- Pain and stiffness of the lumbar region
- Sciatica
- Hardness and fullness of the hypogastrium
- Retention of urine
- Abdominal distention
- Aversion to Wind
- Anuria
- Edema
- Inability to urinate
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 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 53 Bāo Huāng (Bladder's Vitals) is used as part of channel-balancing prescriptions tailored to the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 53 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including 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.
