BL40 Middle of the Crook

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

BL40 (Weizhong, “Middle of the Crook”) is the He-Sea (Earth) point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located at the midpoint of the transverse popliteal crease, between the tendons of biceps femoris and semitendinosus. It relaxes sinews, invigorates channels, alleviates pain, clears heat, cools blood.

Location

At the midpoint of the transverse popliteal crease, between the tendons of biceps femoris and semitendinosus.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0-2.0 cun, or prick to bleed. Caution for popliteal artery and vein.

⚠ Major vessel/nerve nearby — palpate first; avoid deep insertion (near the popliteal artery).

TCM functions

Relaxes sinews, invigorates channels, alleviates pain, clears heat, cools blood.

Indications

Low back pain, sciatica, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, erysipelas, urticaria.

He-Sea (Earth)Command point of the back

Clinical notes

Weizhong is a highly significant point, being the He-Sea (Earth) point of the Bladder meridian and the Command point of the back. It is renowned for treating all types of back pain, especially acute lumbar sprain, and is a primary point for sciatica and knee pain. Its ability to clear heat and cool blood makes it effective for skin conditions like erysipelas or carbuncles on the back, often used with bloodletting. It is classically paired with GV26 for acute low back pain.

On the Bladder channel

BL40 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL40 located?

BL40 (Weizhong) is located at the midpoint of the transverse popliteal crease, between the tendons of biceps femoris and semitendinosus.

What is BL40 used for?

BL40 relaxes sinews, invigorates channels, alleviates pain, clears heat, cools blood. Common clinical indications include low back pain, sciatica, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, erysipelas, urticaria.

How is BL40 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0-2.0 cun, or prick to bleed. Caution for popliteal artery and vein. Caution: ⚠ Major vessel/nerve nearby — palpate first; avoid deep insertion (near the popliteal artery).

Which meridian is BL40 on?

BL40 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.