Bladder Channel

Zhishi BL-52

Chinese: 志室

Pinyin: Zhì Shì

Location

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2). 

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 2nd lumber vertebra (L2) by counting two up. Locate Zhishi BL-52 3 cun lateral to the lower border of L2. Shenshu BL-23 is at the same level but 1.5 cun lateral to L2.  

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. Tonifies the Kidneys and the Essence
  2. Benefits urination
  3. Strengthens the back
  4. Strengthens the Will-power

Indications

Tinnitus Sciatica Dizziness Back pain Impotence Exhaustion Depression Infertility Urinary dribbling Urinary difficulty Lack of motivation Poor sexual ability Nocturnal emissions Premature ejaculation Chronic lower back pain

Needling

Vertically or obliquely 0.5–1 cun.

Caution: Kidneys. 

Commentary for Zhishi BL-52

Zhishi BL-52 is at the same level as Shenshu BL-23, which is the Back-Transporting-Shu point of the Kidneys. Therefore it shares many functions as BL-23 and strengthens the effect when the two points are used together. 

Most importantly, it tonifies the Kidneys and nourishes the Essence, which is stored in the Kidneys. In fact, its other name 'Jinggong' is literally translated as the palace of the Essence.

In case of Kidney Qi or Yang Deficiency, male patients tend to have sexual problems such as impotence, lack of sexual desire and premature ejaculation. While female patients are prone to infertility. Other typical manifestations include exhaustion, dizziness, tinnitus, backache or nocturnal emissions. 

Secondly, BL-52 treats chronic lower back pain and sciatica by tonifying the Kidneys. 

Thirdly, by tonifying the Kidney Qi, it regulates urination. It is indicated for dribbling or difficult urination as well as Oedema. 

Finally, it is said to be effective in lifting Will-Power when the patients are under depression and lacking motivation. For this purpose, it is often used together with Shenshu BL-23 with Reducing Needling method.