BL51 (Huangmen, “Gate of the Vital Region”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1). This is also described as being level with the xiphoid process (Jiuwei, CV15). It breaks up abdominal masses and hardness, regulates the intestines, and alleviates pain.
On the back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1). This is also described as being level with the xiphoid process (Jiuwei, CV15).
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a risk of injuring the kidney.
Breaks up abdominal masses and hardness, regulates the intestines, and alleviates pain.
Great hardness and masses below the heart, pain below the heart, constipation, residual breast disorders after childbirth, women's breast disorders.
Classically, Huangmen is a key point for treating palpable, hard masses in the upper abdomen, particularly below the heart region. Its association with the 'Huang' or vital membranes connects it to the Sanjiao, making it useful for stubborn accumulations and stagnation. The repeated mention of 'residual breast disorders' in early texts like the Jia Yi Jing and Qian Jin Yao Fang highlights a specific, traditional application for postpartum breast issues.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷八 · Source: Wikisource ↗
肓門 十三椎下兩旁，相去脊各三寸陷中，正坐取之。 銅人灸三十壯，針五分。 主心下痛，大便堅，婦人乳疾The text records that BL51, in the depression 3 cun on each side below the thirteenth vertebra, found sitting upright, was given 30 moxa cones and needled 5 fen per the Tongren, and was used for pain below the heart, hard stools and breast disorders in women.
《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 ↗
肓門二穴，在第十三椎下兩旁，相去各三寸叉肋間，經云與鳩尾相直，足太陽脈氣所發。 針入五分，可灸三十壯It is located on both sides below the thirteenth vertebra, 3 cun from the midline between the forked ribs, according to this text, said to be level with Jiuwei, where the foot taiyang qi emerges; BL51 is needled 5 fen with up to 30 moxa cones.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 背自第二椎兩旁夾脊各三寸行至二十一椎下凡二十八穴第九 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
肓門二穴，主心下痛，大便秘，婦人乳癰The text records that BL51 was used for pain below the heart, constipation and breast abscess in women.
BL51 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL51 (Huangmen) is located on the back, 3 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1). This is also described as being level with the xiphoid process (Jiuwei, CV15).
BL51 breaks up abdominal masses and hardness, regulates the intestines, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include great hardness and masses below the heart, pain below the heart, constipation, residual breast disorders after childbirth, women's breast disorders.
Oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular or medial oblique insertion carries a risk of injuring the kidney. Caution: Deep needling is contraindicated to avoid injuring the internal organs, specifically the kidneys.
BL51 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).