Bladder Channel

Guanyuanshu BL-26

Chinese: 关元俞

Pinyin: Guān Yuán Shū

Location

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th lumber vertebra (L5). 

How to locate

First identify the Tuffier's line which connects the highest points of the iliac crest. The spinous process of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4) mostly falls on this line. 

Then identify the spinous process of the 5th lumber vertebra (L5) by counting one down. Locate Guanyuanshu BL-26 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of L5. 

Points located between Fufen BL-41 and Zhibian BL-54 are in the lateral branch of the Bladder Channel, while these between Fengmen BL-12 and Baihuanshu BL-30 are in the medial branch.

Main actions

  1. Strengthens the lower back
  2. Invigorates Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner

Indications

Sciatica Enuresis Buttocks pain Abdominal pain Abdominal mass Lower back pain Weak lower back Frequent urination Lower back stiffness Abdominal distention

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun

Commentary for Guanyuanshu BL-26

Despite that Guanyuanshu BL-26 is not a major point, it is still widely used as a local point in treating chronic lower back pain, stiffness and weakness, no matter if the disorder is bilateral or unilateral. Other typical symptoms include sciatica, buttocks pain as well as difficulty in bending the back. For this purpose, it is often combined with Shenshu BL-23. 

BL-26 also invigorates Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner, thus it eases pain, distension and masses in the abdomen. It also benefits the urination.