How to find
First, locate L5. The next palpable structure in an inferior direction is the most superior sacral spinous process. Palpate in a lateral direction on the level of the sacral processes for the depressions of the sacral foramina. Or: Locate the 4th sacral foramen on the level of the superior end of the rima ani (sometimes a bit more superiorly or inferiorly). Place the little finger on the 4th foramen, then the ring, middle and index fingers on a slightly V-shaped line in a superior direction, palpating for the depressions of the sacral foramina. With the fingers in this position, the index finger will be resting on the 1st foramen (BL 31 (Upper Foramen)), the middle finger on the 2nd foramen (BL-32), the ring finger on the 3rd foramen (BL 33 (Middle Foramen)) and the little finger on the 4th foramen (BL 34 (Lower Foramen)). Located on the same level as BL 31 (Upper Foramen)–BL 34 (Lower Foramen) are the points BL 27 (Small Intestine Shu)–BL 30 (White Ring Shu) on the inner branch of BL (Bladder Channel – Zu Tai Yang) (1.5 cun lateral to the midline) as well as BL 53 (Bladder Vitals) (on the level of BL-32) and BL 54 (Order’s Limit) (on the level of BL 34 (Lower Foramen)), both 3 cun lateral to the midline. Also on the level of BL 34 (Lower Foramen) is Ex-B-11 (3.5 cun lateral to the midline).
Location
Actions
- Regulates the Lower Heater, promotes urination (all eight points) (BL-32 and BL 33 (Middle Foramen) have the strongest action in cases of urinary disorders, while BL 34 (Lower Foramen) has the strongest action in cases of genital disorders)
- Strengthens the Kidneys and Essence (jing)
- Benefits the Intestines (BL 34 (Lower Foramen) has the strongest action in cases of intestinal disorders)
- Promotes labour (for example, use BL-32 with electro-acupuncture), if not in this indication it is not to be stimulated in pregnancy
- Benefits the lumbar region (BL-32 and BL 33 (Middle Foramen) have the strongest action)
Features
According to some authors, meeting point with GB (Gallbladder Meridian – Zu Shao Yang). Clinically, BL-32 is the most commonly used point owing to its widest range of indications. Electro-acupuncture at BL-32 is useful for alleviating pain during labour. Moxibustion of the baliao is indicated for difficult urination or defecation due to Kidney deficiency in elderly people.
