BL61 Pucan

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

BL61 (Pucan, “Pucan”) is the Point of the Yang Qiao Mai point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the foot, in the depression directly inferior to BL60 Kunlun, on the calcaneus bone. This point is found 1.5 cun directly below Kunlun, at the junction of the red and white skin. It strengthens the heel and lower back, pacifies internal wind and calms the spirit, benefits the sinews and alleviates pain.

Location

On the lateral aspect of the foot, in the depression directly inferior to BL60 Kunlun, on the calcaneus bone. This point is found 1.5 cun directly below Kunlun, at the junction of the red and white skin.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Strengthens the heel and lower back, pacifies internal wind and calms the spirit, benefits the sinews and alleviates pain..

Indications

Heel pain, leg weakness or atrophy preventing walking, inability to place the foot on the ground, cholera with muscle cramping, vomiting and reversal, corpse-like reversal, epilepsy, mania with wild talk and seeing ghosts, leg qi, knee swelling, leg muscle cramps, foot pain, horse-type epilepsy, lower back pain..

Point of the Yang Qiao Mai

Clinical notes

Pucan is a primary local point for treating pain and weakness in the heel and ankle, especially conditions that make it difficult to stand or walk. As the origin point of the Yang Motility Vessel (Yang Qiao Mai), it addresses issues of leg strength, gait, and motor control. Its classical indications for epilepsy and mania also highlight its function in anchoring the spirit and subduing internal wind, making it useful for certain neurological and psycho-emotional disorders, particularly those with motor symptoms.

On the Bladder channel

BL61 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL61 located?

BL61 (Pucan) is located on the lateral aspect of the foot, in the depression directly inferior to BL60 Kunlun, on the calcaneus bone. This point is found 1.5 cun directly below Kunlun, at the junction of the red and white skin.

What is BL61 used for?

BL61 strengthens the heel and lower back, pacifies internal wind and calms the spirit, benefits the sinews and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include heel pain, leg weakness or atrophy preventing walking, inability to place the foot on the ground, cholera with muscle cramping, vomiting and reversal, corpse-like reversal, epilepsy, mania with wild talk and seeing ghosts, leg qi, knee swelling, leg muscle cramps, foot pain, horse-type epilepsy, lower back pain.

How is BL61 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

Which meridian is BL61 on?

BL61 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ 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.