BL29 (Zhōng Lǚ Shū, “Middle Spine Shu”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third sacral vertebra (S3). This corresponds to the classical location below the 20th vertebra, in the prominent muscle beside the spine. It strengthens the lumbar spine and kidneys, regulates the intestines, and dispels cold and dampness.
On the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third sacral vertebra (S3). This corresponds to the classical location below the 20th vertebra, in the prominent muscle beside the spine.
Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion towards the midline, 1.0 to 1.5 cun in depth.
Strengthens the lumbar spine and kidneys, regulates the intestines, and dispels cold and dampness.
Lumbar pain, pain along the spine, pain radiating from the nape to this point, kidney deficiency, consumptive thirst (diabetes), inability to sweat, inability to bend forward or backward, abdominal distention, pain in the ribs and flanks, intestinal cold, red and white dysentery, hernia pain, cold-heat convulsions with arching of the back (opisthotonos), axillary contraction, lumbar and spinal hernia pain.
Zhonglüshu is a key local point for stiffness and pain in the lower back and sacrum, particularly when movement is restricted. Its classical indications for kidney deficiency, consumptive thirst, and dysentery suggest a capacity to fortify the lower jiao and regulate kidney and intestinal functions. It is especially useful for conditions involving cold, such as intestinal cold with dysentery or cold-type hernia pain.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 背自第一椎兩旁夾脊各一寸五分下至節凡四十四穴第八 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
中膂俞二穴，主赤白痢，腎虛消渴，腰脊強不能俯仰，腹脹脅痛，腸冷疝痛，汗不出The text records that BL29 was used for red and white dysentery, wasting-thirst from kidney deficiency, stiff lumbar spine unable to bend, abdominal distension and flank pain, cold intestines with hernia pain, and absence of sweating.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷八 · Source: Wikisource ↗
中膂俞（一名脊內俞）二十椎下兩旁，相去脊各一寸五分，俠脊伸起肉， 伏而取之。 銅人針三分，留十呼，灸三壯It is located on both sides below the twentieth vertebra, 1.5 cun from the spine, on the raised muscle beside the spine, found lying prone, according to this text; BL29, also called Jineishu, is needled 3 fen per the Tongren, retained 10 breaths, with 3 moxa cones.
《黃帝明堂灸經》 Huángdì Míngtáng Jiǔjīng — The Yellow Emperor's Bright Hall Moxibustion Classic, Tang · 卷中 · 揹人形第七 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
中膂俞 二穴，在第二十椎下，兩旁各一寸半。 主腰痛不可俯仰，夾背膂痛，上下按之，應者從項後至此穴，痛者灸之立愈也The text records that BL29, 1.5 cun on each side below the twentieth vertebra, was used for low back pain preventing bending and for pain along the spinal muscles; pressing up and down from the nape to this point, tender spots were moxibusted, which the text claims brought immediate relief.
BL29 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL29 (Zhōng Lǚ Shū) is located on the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the third sacral vertebra (S3). This corresponds to the classical location below the 20th vertebra, in the prominent muscle beside the spine.
BL29 strengthens the lumbar spine and kidneys, regulates the intestines, and dispels cold and dampness. Common clinical indications include lumbar pain, pain along the spine, pain radiating from the nape to this point, kidney deficiency, consumptive thirst (diabetes), inability to sweat, inability to bend forward or backward, abdominal distention, pain in the ribs and flanks, intestinal cold, red and white dysentery, hernia pain, cold-heat convulsions with arching of the back (opisthotonos), axillary contraction, lumbar and spinal hernia pain.
Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion towards the midline, 1.0 to 1.5 cun in depth.
BL29 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).