BL-26 - Gate of Origin Shu

关元俞 - Guān yuán shū

Point Region: Lower back

BL

Bladder Meridian

足太阳膀胱经 - Zú Tàiyáng Pángguāng Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the lower back, level with the lower edge of the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), 1.5 cun out from the midline.

Distances are in cun, a unit that scales with each person's body. As a guide, the width of your thumb at its joint is 1 cun, and your four fingers held together, measured across the middle joints, are 3 cun.

How to Locate:

  1. Find L4, the spinal bump level with the highest points of the hip bones, then count one bump down to L5
  2. Go to the level just below the bump of L5
  3. The point is two finger-widths out from the midline
BL-26 (Gate of Origin Shu) acupressure point location: On the lower back, level with the lower edge of the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), 1.5 cun out from the midline.

How to Apply Pressure

Using a fingertip, apply gentle, steady pressure in the groove just below the bump of the fifth lumbar spinal bone (one bump below the bump level with the highest points of your hip bones), two finger-widths out from the midline. Firm but never painful pressure is enough; stop if it hurts. If you cannot reach the spot comfortably, skip it rather than strain, and skip this point over irritated or broken skin.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Lower back pain
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Reproductive disorders
  • Urinary issues

Related Health Concerns

Lower Back PainBloating

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