BL53 (Baohuang, “Baohuang”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the lower back, level with the space below the spinous process of the second sacral vertebra (S2), 3 cun lateral to the midline. It regulates the Bladder, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs.
On the lower back, level with the space below the spinous process of the second sacral vertebra (S2), 3 cun lateral to the midline.
Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.
Regulates the Bladder, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs.
Abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, abdominal hardness and masses, constipation, difficult urination, lumbar pain, lumbar pain with inability to bend or extend, lumbar pain with stiffness, pain radiating to the genitals, pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the sacrum, prolapse of the rectum, urinary retention, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, borborygmus, diarrhea, edema, genital pain, hernia, leg weakness, sciatica, stiffness and pain of the lumbar spine, swelling of the genitals.
Baohuang is a key local point for disorders of the sacrum and lumbar spine, particularly for pain, stiffness, and sciatica. As the outer line point corresponding to the Bladder's Back-Shu point, it strongly influences the Bladder organ, making it effective for a wide range of urinary issues like retention, incontinence, and painful urination. It is also used for digestive problems such as abdominal distention, constipation, and borborygmus, reflecting the Bladder channel's connection to the Lower Jiao.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《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 ↗
胞肓二穴，在第十九椎下兩旁，相去各二寸陷中，伏而取之，足太陽脈氣所發。 針入五分，可灸五七壯It is located in the depression on both sides below the nineteenth vertebra, 2 cun from the midline, found lying prone, according to this text, where the foot taiyang qi emerges; BL53 is needled 5 fen with 5 to 7 moxa cones.
《黃帝明堂灸經》 Huángdì Míngtáng Jiǔjīng — The Yellow Emperor's Bright Hall Moxibustion Classic, Tang · 卷中 · 揹人形第七 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
胞肓 二穴，在第十九椎下，兩旁各三寸陷者中，俯而取之。 灸五壯。 主腰痛不可忍，俯仰難，惡寒，小便澀也The text records that BL53, in the depression 3 cun on each side below the nineteenth vertebra, found leaning forward, was moxibusted with 5 cones for unbearable low back pain, difficulty bending, aversion to cold and scanty difficult urination.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷09 · Source: Wikisource ↗
腰脊痛，惡風，少腹滿堅，癃閉下重，不得小便，胞肓主之The text records that BL53 was used for pain of the lumbar spine, aversion to wind, fullness and hardness of the lower abdomen, urinary retention with heaviness below, and inability to urinate.
BL53 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL53 (Baohuang) is located on the lower back, level with the space below the spinous process of the second sacral vertebra (S2), 3 cun lateral to the midline.
BL53 regulates the Bladder, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao, strengthens the lumbar spine and legs. Common clinical indications include abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, abdominal hardness and masses, constipation, difficult urination, lumbar pain, lumbar pain with inability to bend or extend, lumbar pain with stiffness, pain radiating to the genitals, pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the sacrum, prolapse of the rectum, urinary retention, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, borborygmus, diarrhea, edema, genital pain, hernia, leg weakness, sciatica, stiffness and pain of the lumbar spine, swelling of the genitals.
Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.
BL53 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).