BL57 Support the Mountain

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

BL57 (Chengshan, “Support the Mountain”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the posterior aspect of the leg, in the depression formed below the gastrocnemius muscle belly when the leg is extended or the heel is lifted, 8 cun inferior to BL54 (Weizhong). It relaxes sinews, invigorates channels, alleviates pain, treats hemorrhoids.

Location

On the posterior aspect of the leg, in the depression formed below the gastrocnemius muscle belly when the leg is extended or the heel is lifted, 8 cun inferior to BL54 (Weizhong).

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun. Caution for small saphenous vein.

⚠ Major vessel/nerve nearby — palpate first; avoid deep insertion (near the saphenous vein).

TCM functions

Relaxes sinews, invigorates channels, alleviates pain, treats hemorrhoids.

Indications

Spasm of the gastrocnemius, low back pain, sciatica, hemorrhoids, constipation.

Clinical notes

Chengshan is a highly significant point, renowned as a command point for hemorrhoids and a powerful point for relaxing the sinews of the calf and lower back. It is indispensable for treating leg cramps, sciatica, lower back pain, and heel pain. Its efficacy for hemorrhoids is well-established, often needled with a perpendicular insertion for this purpose.

On the Bladder channel

BL57 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL57 located?

BL57 (Chengshan) is located on the posterior aspect of the leg, in the depression formed below the gastrocnemius muscle belly when the leg is extended or the heel is lifted, 8 cun inferior to BL54 (Weizhong).

What is BL57 used for?

BL57 relaxes sinews, invigorates channels, alleviates pain, treats hemorrhoids. Common clinical indications include spasm of the gastrocnemius, low back pain, sciatica, hemorrhoids, constipation.

How is BL57 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun. Caution for small saphenous vein. Caution: ⚠ Major vessel/nerve nearby — palpate first; avoid deep insertion (near the saphenous vein).

Which meridian is BL57 on?

BL57 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.