BL-32 Second Bone-Hole

Channel: BL, foot greater yáng (tài yáng) bladder channel

Modern location: An acupoint located on the sacrum, in the second sacral foramen.

Classical location: In the second opening, in the depression either side of the spine. From The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (针灸大成 zhēn jiǔ dà chéng)

Local anatomy: Posterior branches of the lateral sacral artery and vein. The course of the posterior ramus of the 2nd sacral nerve.

Action: Frees the channels and rectifies qì; quickens the blood and relieves pain; regulates the menses and checks vaginal discharge.

Modern indications: Mounting qì (shàn qì, inguinal hernia); menstrual irregularities; vaginal discharge; menstrual pain; inhibited urination; seminal emission; lumbar pain; wilting-impediment (wěi bì) of the lower limbs.

Classical indications: Strangury-turbidity (lìn zhuó); insensitivity from the lumbar down to the feet; rumbling intestines and outpour diarrhea; hardness and distension below the heart.

Needle stimulus: Needling: 0.7‒1.0 cùn perpendicular insertion. Moxa: 3‒7 cones; pole 10‒20 min.

Needle sensation: Distension and numbness spreading down towards the legs.

Point name meaning:

BL-32 is located at the second sacral foramen. See acupoint names: origins, meanings, and translations.