Bladder Channel

Zhonglushu BL-29

Chinese: 中膂俞

Pinyin: Zhōng Lǚ Shū

Location

At the level of the 3rd posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline. 

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 palpate in an inferior direction, passing  L5, and reach the most superior 1st sacral foramen. Palpate further down for two sacral foramens and locate the 3rd one in a depression.

Locate Zhonglushu BL-29 at the same level of the 3rd sacral foramen and 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline. 

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. Benefits the lumbar region
  2. Expels Coldness

Indications

No sweating Shan disorder Cold intestines Spine stiffness Lumbar spine pain Abdominal distention Lumbar spine stiffness Lateral costal region pain

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun. 

Commentary for Zhonglushu BL-29

Zhonglushu BL-29 is not a major point. 

Its main action is to benefit the lumbar region and expel Coldness.