BL57 (Chengshan, “Chengshan means 'Support the Mountain'”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the posterior lower leg, in the depression formed below the two bellies of the gastrocnemius muscle when the muscle is tensed or the foot is plantarflexed. It is located in the division of the calf muscle, inferior to Chengjin (BL56). It relaxes the sinews and alleviates cramping, activates the channel and alleviates pain, treats hemorrhoids and constipation, regulates qi in the lower leg.
On the posterior lower leg, in the depression formed below the two bellies of the gastrocnemius muscle when the muscle is tensed or the foot is plantarflexed. It is located in the division of the calf muscle, inferior to Chengjin (BL56).
Perpendicular insertion, 1 to 2 cun deep.
Relaxes the sinews and alleviates cramping, activates the channel and alleviates pain, treats hemorrhoids and constipation, regulates qi in the lower leg..
Hemorrhoids, constipation, leg cramps, cholera with muscle spasms, shivering and inability to stand, beriberi, knee swelling, sore shins, heel pain, tense sinews with pain, beriberi with swelling below the knee, difficulty with sudden food intake, water retention in Taiyang disease, nosebleed, qi in the shins, lumbar pain, calf muscle tearing sensation..
Chengshan is a primary distal point for treating conditions of the lower back, legs, and anus. It is renowned for its immediate effect on acute lumbar sprain, sciatica, and especially calf cramps, often providing instant relief. Its classical application for hemorrhoids and constipation highlights its ability to influence the terminal section of the large intestine via the Bladder channel pathway.
BL57 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:
BL57 (Chengshan) is located on the posterior lower leg, in the depression formed below the two bellies of the gastrocnemius muscle when the muscle is tensed or the foot is plantarflexed. It is located in the division of the calf muscle, inferior to Chengjin (BL56).
BL57 relaxes the sinews and alleviates cramping, activates the channel and alleviates pain, treats hemorrhoids and constipation, regulates qi in the lower leg. Common clinical indications include hemorrhoids, constipation, leg cramps, cholera with muscle spasms, shivering and inability to stand, beriberi, knee swelling, sore shins, heel pain, tense sinews with pain, beriberi with swelling below the knee, difficulty with sudden food intake, water retention in Taiyang disease, nosebleed, qi in the shins, lumbar pain, calf muscle tearing sensation.
Perpendicular insertion, 1 to 2 cun deep. Caution: The Huangdi Neijing warns that deep needling into the calf muscle (腨腸) can cause swelling.
BL57 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).