BL63 Jinmen means 'Metal Gate'

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

BL63 (Jinmen, “Jinmen means 'Metal Gate'”) is the Xi-Cleft point of the Yang Wei Mai point of the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the foot, in the depression directly inferior to the anterior border of the lateral malleolus, anterior and inferior to Shenmai (BL62). This point is located in the depression between the cuboid, calcaneus, and talus bones. It opens the Yang Qiao and Yang Wei channels, pacifies internal wind, calms the spirit, opens the orifices, and alleviates pain and spasm.

Location

On the lateral aspect of the foot, in the depression directly inferior to the anterior border of the lateral malleolus, anterior and inferior to Shenmai (BL62). This point is located in the depression between the cuboid, calcaneus, and talus bones.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Opens the Yang Qiao and Yang Wei channels, pacifies internal wind, calms the spirit, opens the orifices, and alleviates pain and spasm..

Indications

Sudden death-like collapse (cadaveric syncope), epilepsy, infantile convulsions (horse epilepsy), mania, sudden hernia pain, cholera with muscle cramping, knee and lower leg soreness, body trembling and inability to stand for long, headache, head wind, ear deafness, infantile mouth gaping with head shaking and opisthotonus, malaria with predominant cold then heat..

Xi-Cleft point of the Yang Wei Mai

Clinical notes

As the Xi-cleft point of the Yang Wei Mai, Jinmen is a critical point for acute conditions involving external pathogens and the body's protective Qi, particularly sudden, severe disorders like seizures, syncope, and acute pain. Its ability to pacify internal wind makes it valuable for epilepsy, convulsions, and opisthotonus, especially in children. Clinically, it is often used in combination with Shenmai (BL62) to strongly open the lateral aspect of the body and treat headache, dizziness, and pain along the Bladder channel.

On the Bladder channel

BL63 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL63 located?

BL63 (Jinmen) is located on the lateral aspect of the foot, in the depression directly inferior to the anterior border of the lateral malleolus, anterior and inferior to Shenmai (BL62). This point is located in the depression between the cuboid, calcaneus, and talus bones.

What is BL63 used for?

BL63 opens the Yang Qiao and Yang Wei channels, pacifies internal wind, calms the spirit, opens the orifices, and alleviates pain and spasm. Common clinical indications include sudden death-like collapse (cadaveric syncope), epilepsy, infantile convulsions (horse epilepsy), mania, sudden hernia pain, cholera with muscle cramping, knee and lower leg soreness, body trembling and inability to stand for long, headache, head wind, ear deafness, infantile mouth gaping with head shaking and opisthotonus, malaria with predominant cold then heat.

How is BL63 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Which meridian is BL63 on?

BL63 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.