BL28 Bladder Shu

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

BL28 (Páng Guāng Shū, “Bladder Shu”) is the Back-Shu of the Bladder point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the second sacral foramen. This corresponds to the space below the spinous process of the second sacral vertebra (S2). The classics locate it below the nineteenth vertebra. It regulates the Bladder and the lower jiao, clears damp-heat from the lower jiao, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs, resolves stagnation and masses.

Location

On the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the second sacral foramen. This corresponds to the space below the spinous process of the second sacral vertebra (S2). The classics locate it below the nineteenth vertebra.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion towards the midline, 0.8 to 1.2 cun. Deep insertion enters the second posterior sacral foramen.

TCM functions

Regulates the Bladder and the lower jiao, clears damp-heat from the lower jiao, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs, resolves stagnation and masses..

Indications

Abdominal pain, hard and knotted accumulations in the abdomen, women's abdominal masses (jia ju), wind-laborfeng lao yao tong, lumbar pain, spinal rigidity and stiffness, difficulty bending and extending the back, inability to bend forward or backward, foot and knee weakness, urinary redness and yellowing, difficult urination, urinary incontinence, dribbling urination, painful urination, diarrhea, constipation, tetanus with heat, back-arching rigidity (opisthotonos), heat with spasms and pulling, sweat that does not come out, cold sensation in the shins, pain and stiffness of the spine, women's red and white vaginal discharge, urinary retention..

Back-Shu of the Bladder

Clinical notes

As the Back-Shu point of the Bladder, BL28 is a primary point for treating disorders of its related organ and the lower jiao. The classical texts emphasize its role in regulating urination, addressing conditions from difficult, painful, or red urine to incontinence. It is also a key local point for lumbar pain, spinal stiffness, and weakness in the legs, particularly when bending and extending are difficult. Furthermore, its ability to resolve stagnation is highlighted by its use for abdominal masses and accumulations, especially in women.

On the Bladder channel

BL28 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL28 located?

BL28 (Páng Guāng Shū) is located on the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the second sacral foramen. This corresponds to the space below the spinous process of the second sacral vertebra (S2). The classics locate it below the nineteenth vertebra.

What is BL28 used for?

BL28 regulates the Bladder and the lower jiao, clears damp-heat from the lower jiao, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs, resolves stagnation and masses. Common clinical indications include abdominal pain, hard and knotted accumulations in the abdomen, women's abdominal masses (jia ju), wind-laborfeng lao yao tong, lumbar pain, spinal rigidity and stiffness, difficulty bending and extending the back, inability to bend forward or backward, foot and knee weakness, urinary redness and yellowing, difficult urination, urinary incontinence, dribbling urination, painful urination, diarrhea, constipation, tetanus with heat, back-arching rigidity (opisthotonos), heat with spasms and pulling, sweat that does not come out, cold sensation in the shins, pain and stiffness of the spine, women's red and white vaginal discharge, urinary retention.

How is BL28 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion towards the midline, 0.8 to 1.2 cun. Deep insertion enters the second posterior sacral foramen.

Which meridian is BL28 on?

BL28 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.