BL52 (Zhishi, “Zhishi”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the lower back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2), level with the Kidney Shu point (BL23) and the Du Mai point Ming Men (DU4). It strengthens the Kidneys and fortifies the lumbar region, regulates urination, dispels dampness, and resolves hardness and stagnation in the abdomen.
On the lower back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2), level with the Kidney Shu point (BL23) and the Du Mai point Ming Men (DU4).
Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Deep needling carries a risk of injuring the kidney, so caution is advised, especially on thin patients.
Strengthens the Kidneys and fortifies the lumbar region, regulates urination, dispels dampness, and resolves hardness and stagnation in the abdomen..
Abdominal hardness and tension, back pain with inability to bend forward or backward, genital swelling, genital pain, urinary dripping or incontinence, dream-emission, seminal loss, lumbar spinal stiffness, difficulty with forward and backward bending, indigestion, vomiting, reversal cold, sharp pain in the hypochondria, choleraic disorders, lumbar pain with spinal rigidity, urinary-syndrome..
As the outer point of the Kidney Shu, Zhishi strongly tonifies Kidney Qi and Yang, making it a primary point for chronic lower back pain, weakness, and stiffness, especially when associated with Kidney deficiency. It is also used for disorders of the genitourinary system, such as impotence, seminal emission, and difficult urination, reflecting its close relationship with the Kidney organ. Its ability to treat abdominal hardness suggests a function in resolving stagnation and accumulation in the lower jiao.
BL52 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL52 (Zhishi) is located on the lower back, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2), level with the Kidney Shu point (BL23) and the Du Mai point Ming Men (DU4).
BL52 strengthens the Kidneys and fortifies the lumbar region, regulates urination, dispels dampness, and resolves hardness and stagnation in the abdomen. Common clinical indications include abdominal hardness and tension, back pain with inability to bend forward or backward, genital swelling, genital pain, urinary dripping or incontinence, dream-emission, seminal loss, lumbar spinal stiffness, difficulty with forward and backward bending, indigestion, vomiting, reversal cold, sharp pain in the hypochondria, choleraic disorders, lumbar pain with spinal rigidity, urinary-syndrome.
Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Deep needling carries a risk of injuring the kidney, so caution is advised, especially on thin patients.
BL52 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).