BL 60 — Kūn Lún (昆仑) — Kunlun Mountains

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

BL 60 — Kūn Lún (昆仑) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Kunlun Mountains, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of 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 60 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

In the depression between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon, level with the tip of the lateral malleolus.

3. Actions

1. Activates the meridian and relieves pain along the entire Bladder channel
2. Relaxes the sinews and tendons
3. Clears Wind and Heat
4. Strengthens the lumbar spine and back
5. Descends Qi and Yang

4. Indications

1. Low back pain, sciatica and pain along the Bladder meridian
2. Headache at the occiput and neck stiffness
3. Ankle pain and swelling
4. Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
5. Difficult labour and retained placenta — contraindicated in pregnancy

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5–0.8 cun. Contraindicated during pregnancy.

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 60 is the Jing-River and Fire point of the Bladder meridian. It is used extensively as a distal point for all pain along the Bladder channel — from the occiput, down the back, through the gluteal region, and along the posterior leg to the heel. Combined with BL 40 and BL 23, it forms a powerful three-point distal prescription for low back pain and sciatica. Contraindicated in pregnancy due to its descending action on the Qi and its historical use in obstetrics.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use BL 60 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Back pain, Sciatica, Plantar fasciitis, Headaches. 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.