BL26 (Guān Yuán Shū, “Guān Yuán Shū”) is the Back-Shu Point point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the space below the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5). This corresponds to the 17th vertebra in the classical counting method. It strengthens the lower back, tonifies the Kidneys, and dispels wind-damp.
On the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the space below the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5). This corresponds to the 17th vertebra in the classical counting method.
Perpendicular-oblique insertion towards the midline, 1.0 to 1.5 cun deep.
Strengthens the lower back, tonifies the Kidneys, and dispels wind-damp.
Wind-taxation low back pain,diarrhea/dysentery, abdominal distention from deficiency, difficult urination, women's abdominal masses (jia ju).
Guanyuan Shu is a key local point for lower back pain, especially when associated with deficiency conditions, as suggested by the classical indication of 'wind-taxation low back pain'. Its connection to the front point Guanyuan (CV4) highlights its role in treating disorders of the lower jiao, including digestive issues like diarrhea and urinary difficulties. It is often used to fortify the Kidneys and strengthen the lumbar region.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷八 · Source: Wikisource ↗
關元俞 十七椎下兩旁，相去脊各一寸五分，伏而取之。 主風勞腰痛，泄痢虛脹， 小便難，婦人瘕聚諸疾The text records that BL26, on both sides below the seventeenth vertebra 1.5 cun from the spine and located lying prone, was used for wind-taxation low back pain, diarrhoea with deficient distension, difficult urination and women's abdominal masses.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷十 · 經絡（八） · 奇俞類集 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
關元俞 在第十七椎下，兩旁相去各二寸。 刺三分，留六呼，可灸。 主治瀉痢虛脹，小便難，婦人瘕聚諸疾According to this text, BL26 lies 2 cun on each side below the seventeenth vertebra; it is needled 3 fen, retained 6 breaths, may be moxibusted, and is recorded for diarrhoea with deficient distension, difficult urination and women's abdominal masses.
《神灸經綸》 Shénjiǔ Jīnglún — Principles of Divine Moxibustion, Wu Yiding, 1851 · 卷之二 · 十二經脈起止 · 膀胱經六十三穴分寸 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
大腸俞下有關元俞在十七椎下去脊中二寸It is located below Dachangshu, at the seventeenth vertebra, 2 cun from the spine's centre, according to this text.
《針灸逢源》 Zhēnjiǔ Féngyuán — Sources of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Li Xuechuan, 1815 · 卷四 · 經穴考正 · 足太陽膀胱經穴考 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
關元腧 在十七椎下兩旁。 開脊中二寸。 （針三分灸三壯○類經無此穴）治小便難According to this text, BL26 lies on both sides below the seventeenth vertebra, 2 cun from the spine's centre; needle 3 fen, moxa 3 cones. It notes the point is absent from the Leijing and records use for difficult urination.
BL26 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL26 (Guān Yuán Shū) is located on the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the space below the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5). This corresponds to the 17th vertebra in the classical counting method.
BL26 strengthens the lower back, tonifies the Kidneys, and dispels wind-damp. Common clinical indications include wind-taxation low back pain,diarrhea/dysentery, abdominal distention from deficiency, difficult urination, women's abdominal masses (jia ju).
Perpendicular-oblique insertion towards the midline, 1.0 to 1.5 cun deep.
BL26 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).