BL31 (Shangliao, “Shangliao”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. Located in the first posterior sacral foramen, approximately one-third of the distance from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) to the midline of the sacrum. It based on the classical indications, this point appears to regulate the lower jiao and open the orifices, particularly the ears.
Located in the first posterior sacral foramen, approximately one-third of the distance from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) to the midline of the sacrum.
Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion, directed medially and inferiorly into the first posterior sacral foramen, 1.0 to 1.5 cun.
Based on the classical indications, this point appears to regulate the lower jiao and open the orifices, particularly the ears.
Loss of voice, epilepsy, fullness in the heart and abdomen, tinnitus, deafness, a sensation as if the ear is blocked, ringing in the ears like cicadas.
Shangliao is the first and most superior of the 'baliao' points, a critical group for treating disorders of the lower jiao, including urinary, gynecological, and lumbar issues. While the provided classical text focuses on its effect on the upper orifices, particularly the ears and voice, its location makes it indispensable in modern practice for sacral pain and pelvic disorders. The classical mention of 'fullness in the heart and abdomen' hints at a broader regulatory function.
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 ↗
上髎二穴，主偏風腰膝冷痛，不能起跪，鼻衄寒熱，大小不利，嘔逆，男子陽痿，婦人絕嗣，陰挺不收The text records that BL31 was used for one-sided wind with cold pain of the lower back and knees, inability to rise or kneel, nosebleed with chills and fever, difficult urination and defecation, vomiting, impotence in men, and in women infertility and uterine prolapse.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷七 · 經絡（五） · 足太陽膀胱經穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
上髎當髁骨下陷中，餘三髎少斜下按之陷中是也According to this text, which cites a commentary, BL31 lies in the depression below the hip bone, and the other three liao points are found in depressions pressing slightly obliquely downward.
《醫學綱目·刺灸》 Yīxué Gāngmù · Cìjiǔ — Outline of Medicine: Needling and Moxibustion, Lou Ying, 1565 · 卷之八·陰陽臟腑部 · 穴法下 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
上髎二穴，在第一空腰髁下夾脊陷中，足太陽少陽之絡。 針入三分，可灸七壯It is located in the first foramen below the lumbar hip bone, in the depression beside the spine, according to this text, as a connecting point of foot taiyang and shaoyang; BL31 is needled 3 fen with up to 7 moxa cones.
BL31 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
Located in the first posterior sacral foramen, approximately one-third of the distance from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) to the midline of the sacrum.
BL31 based on the classical indications, this point appears to regulate the lower jiao and open the orifices, particularly the ears. Common clinical indications include loss of voice, epilepsy, fullness in the heart and abdomen, tinnitus, deafness, a sensation as if the ear is blocked, ringing in the ears like cicadas.
Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion, directed medially and inferiorly into the first posterior sacral foramen, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution: Traditionally avoided or used with caution in PREGNANCY (strong qi/blood-moving or labour-promoting action).
BL31 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).