BL25 Dà Cháng Shū

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

BL25 (Dà Cháng Shū, “Dà Cháng Shū”) is the Back-Shu point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). The classical texts locate this point below the sixteenth vertebra. It regulates the intestines, clears damp-heat, alleviates stagnation, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs, and treats conditions of dryness in the Large Intestine.

Location

On the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). The classical texts locate this point below the sixteenth vertebra.

Needling

Perpendicular-oblique insertion towards the spine, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion is not advised to avoid injuring the kidney.

TCM functions

Regulates the intestines, clears damp-heat, alleviates stagnation, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs, and treats conditions of dryness in the Large Intestine..

Indications

Abdominal distension, rumbling in the abdomen, gushing diarrhea with undigested food, dysentery, white dysentery, food not digesting, twisting pain in the lower abdomen, cutting pain around the navel, difficulty with urination and defecation, constipation, intestinal wind, abdominal fullness with rumbling, abdominal gas distension that refers to the spine, eating a lot but remaining thin (a condition called 'shí huì'), lumbar pain, spinal rigidity making it difficult to bend forward or backward, intestinal colic, intestinal abscess, 대변불금 (daebyeonbulgeum - fecal incontinence), intestinal hernia..

Back-Shu

Clinical notes

As the Back-Shu point of the Large Intestine, BL25 is a primary point for any intestinal disorder, effectively treating both diarrhea and constipation by regulating the organ's function. Its location on the lower back also makes it an essential local point for lumbar pain and stiffness, especially when the pain is accompanied by digestive complaints. According to Li Dong-yuan, it is the key point for treating conditions arising from dryness affecting the Large Intestine.

On the Bladder channel

BL25 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL25 located?

BL25 (Dà Cháng Shū) is located on the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). The classical texts locate this point below the sixteenth vertebra.

What is BL25 used for?

BL25 regulates the intestines, clears damp-heat, alleviates stagnation, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs, and treats conditions of dryness in the Large Intestine. Common clinical indications include abdominal distension, rumbling in the abdomen, gushing diarrhea with undigested food, dysentery, white dysentery, food not digesting, twisting pain in the lower abdomen, cutting pain around the navel, difficulty with urination and defecation, constipation, intestinal wind, abdominal fullness with rumbling, abdominal gas distension that refers to the spine, eating a lot but remaining thin (a condition called 'shí huì'), lumbar pain, spinal rigidity making it difficult to bend forward or backward, intestinal colic, intestinal abscess, 대변불금 (daebyeonbulgeum - fecal incontinence), intestinal hernia.

How is BL25 needled?

Perpendicular-oblique insertion towards the spine, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion is not advised to avoid injuring the kidney.

Which meridian is BL25 on?

BL25 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.