Bladder Channel

Shenmai BL-62

Chinese: 申脉

Pinyin: Shēn Mài

Location

In the depression directly below the lateral malleolus tip. 

How to locate

First identify the tip of the lateral malleolus. Then identify Shenmai BL-62 in a depression below the lower border of the malleolus and above the tendons of the peroneus muscle, in the joint space between the talus and calcaneus. 

Main actions

  1. Removes Obstructions from the Channel and eases pain
  2. Benefits eyes
  3. Regulates the Yang Stepping Vessel
  4. Pacifies Interior Wind and expels Exterior Wind

Indications

Fever Tremor Lockjaw Leg pain Insomnia Red eyes Eye pain Epilepsy Back pain Headaches Dizziness Stiff neck Somnolence Hemiplegia Opisthotonos Eye deviation Back stiffness Manic behavior Mouth deviation Aversion to cold Occipital headaches Occipital stiffness One leg longer than the other Sweating on one side of the body One Scapula higher than the other

Needling

Vertically or obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.

The needle may reach the calcaneofibular ligaments superior to the tendons of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles, possibly also the joint space.

Commentary for Shenmai BL-62

Shenmai BL-62 is the opening and beginning of the Yang Stepping Vessel (Yang Qiao Mai) and many of its functions are related to this attribute. 

First of all, the Yang Step Vessel controls the body movement and agility. Thus Shenman BL-62 treats the Painful Obstruction Syndrome due to Cold invading the Channel and Vessels. It is able to ease pain as well as stiffness on the neck, occiput, back and legs by relaxing the tendons and muscles. 

Shenmai BL-62 benefits the eyes as well. The Yang Step Vessel runs to the eyes and meets the Yin Stepping Vessel at Jingming BL-1 of the inner canthus. If these two Vessels are in harmony, they bring balanced Yin and Yang energy to the eyes, which are properly moistened and in good status. If not, some symptoms occur such as red or painful eyes.

Zhaohai KI-6 is part of the Yin Stepping Vessel and it is often used together with BL-62 to treat insomnia or somnolence. For example, when Deficient Yin Stepping Vessel energy reaches the eyes, KI-6 should be needled with Tonifying Needling method. At the same time, BL-62 should be needled with Reducing method to treat insomnia. Vice versa for somnolence. 

Furthermore, Yin and Yang Stepping Vessel also harmonized the left and right of the Yin Yang Channels. Some symptoms can be improved by stimulating the point such as one leg being longer than the other, one scapula being higher than the other or sweating only on on side of the body. 

BL-62 pacifies Interior Wind as well. Therefore, it treats epilepsy, but only if the attacks happen during daytime. While Zhaohai KI-6 should be used if the Wind attacks during the night time. Other manifestations include opisthotonos, lockjaw, tremors, Wind-stroke as well as deviation of eye and mouth. On top of that, BL-62 also expels Exterior Wind, so as to treat symptoms such as aversion to cold, fever, occipital headache and stiffness. 

Finally, the point calms the Mind, so that it is able to treat manic behavior.