BL 57 — Chéng Shān (承山) — Support the Mountain
On this page
1. Overview
BL 57 — Chéng Shān (承山) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Support the Mountain, 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
On the posterior midline of the leg, in the depression below the gastrocnemius muscle belly when the foot is plantarflexed.
3. Actions
- Relaxes sinews and relieves calf cramp
- Activates the meridian and relieves lower limb pain
- Treats haemorrhoids
- Resolves Damp-Heat
4. Indications
- Calf muscle cramp — the primary point for acute cramp
- Low back pain and sciatica
- Haemorrhoids — a primary classical point
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Restless legs syndrome
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1.0–2.0 cun.
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 57 is best known for two things: immediate relief of acute calf cramp and treatment of haemorrhoids. For acute calf cramp, needling BL 57 with strong stimulation produces almost instantaneous relief — one of the most dramatic effects in acupuncture. Combined with BL 40 and BL 60 it is an important distal combination for sciatica.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 57 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Sciatica, Plantar fasciitis, Restless legs syndrome. 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.
