BL 62 — Shēn Mài (申脉) — Extending Vessel
On this page
1. Overview
BL 62 — Shēn Mài (申脉) — is an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Its English name, Extending Vessel, 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 depression directly below the lateral malleolus.
3. Actions
- Opens the Yang Qiao Mai — paired with SI 3 to open the Du Mai
- Relaxes sinews and calms spasm
- Treats insomnia from Yang excess
- Benefits the head
4. Indications
- Back and spinal disorders via the Du Mai / Yang Qiao Mai combination with SI 3
- Insomnia from Yang not entering Yin
- Epilepsy and convulsions
- Headache and ankle pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 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 62 is the opening point of the Yang Qiao Mai. Its pairing with SI 3 to open the Du Mai is one of the most powerful extraordinary vessel combinations, used for all spinal conditions and neurological disorders along the Du Mai pathway. For insomnia, BL 62 addresses the Yang Qiao Mai's role in wakefulness — when Yang is excessive and fails to enter Yin at night.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use BL 62 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Back pain, Sciatica, Insomnia. 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.
