BL50 (Weicang, “Weicang”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12), level with BL21 (Weishu). It harmonizes the Stomach, transforms dampness, resolves abdominal distention, and alleviates back pain.
On the back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12), level with BL21 (Weishu).
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
Harmonizes the Stomach, transforms dampness, resolves abdominal distention, and alleviates back pain.
Abdominal distention from vacuity, abdominal fullness, water swelling, edema, inability to eat or drink, aversion to cold, back and spine pain, inability to bend forward or backward, spinal pain, abdominal distention with water swelling, much cold,dysphagia or esophageal obstruction,skin edema, true edema, stone edema, wind edema, edema from qi, dampness, or food.
Weicang is a key point on the outer Bladder line for disorders of the middle jiao, particularly those involving both digestive and dampness-related symptoms. Its indications for abdominal distention, poor appetite, and edema make it a valuable adjunct to the inner line's Back-Shu points. It is also used for local musculoskeletal issues, such as stiffness and pain in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, especially when the patient cannot bend or extend.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《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 ↗
胃倉 在十二椎下兩旁開脊中三寸半。 （針五分。 灸七壯。 ）治腹滿水腫According to this text, BL50 lies on both sides below the twelfth vertebra, 3.5 cun from the spine's centre; needle 5 fen, moxa 7 cones, and it was used for abdominal fullness and oedema.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之一·神照集 · 足太陽膀胱經圖穴十四 · 足太陽膀胱經所發六十三穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
胃倉二穴，在第十二椎下，兩旁各三寸陷中。 《針經》刺入五分，灸三壯。 一方：灸五十壯It is located in the depression 3 cun on each side below the twelfth vertebra, according to this text; citing the Zhenjing, BL50 is needled 5 fen with 3 moxa cones, while another source gives 50 cones.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷09 · Source: Wikisource ↗
臚脹水腫，食飲不下，多寒（《千金》作惡寒），胃倉主之The text records that BL50 was used for abdominal distension and oedema, inability to get food and drink down, and much cold (the Qianjin reads aversion to cold).
BL50 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL50 (Weicang) is located on the back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12), level with BL21 (Weishu).
BL50 harmonizes the Stomach, transforms dampness, resolves abdominal distention, and alleviates back pain. Common clinical indications include abdominal distention from vacuity, abdominal fullness, water swelling, edema, inability to eat or drink, aversion to cold, back and spine pain, inability to bend forward or backward, spinal pain, abdominal distention with water swelling, much cold,dysphagia or esophageal obstruction,skin edema, true edema, stone edema, wind edema, edema from qi, dampness, or food.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
BL50 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).