Shangliao (BL31)
Shangliao (BL31), “Upper Bone-Hole”, is a point on the Bladder meridian. It is point 31 of the 67 on the channel. Regulates the uterus and bladder and eases lumbosacral pain.
Location
On the sacrum, in the first posterior sacral foramen.
Functions according to tradition
Regulates the uterus and bladder and eases lumbosacral pain.
Traditional indications
- Lumbosacral pain
- Irregular menstruation
- Vaginal discharge
- Difficult urination
- Infertility
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
Precautions
No specific precautions are described beyond the general ones for acupuncture. Needling must always be performed by a trained professional.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- LV9 Yinbao (Liver): Difficult urination, Irregular menstruation, Lumbosacral pain
- KI13 Qixue (Kidney): Difficult urination, Infertility, Irregular menstruation
- CV7 Yinjiao (Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)): Irregular menstruation, Vaginal discharge
- GV2 Yaoshu (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Irregular menstruation, Lumbosacral pain
- GB26 Daimai (Gallbladder): Irregular menstruation, Vaginal discharge
- KI12 Dahe (Kidney): Infertility, Vaginal discharge
Point profile
- Code
- BL31
- Pinyin name
- Shàng Liáo
- Characters
- 上髎
- Translation
- Upper Bone-Hole
- Meridian
- Bladder
- Element
- Water
- Topics
- Sacrum, Uterus, Urination
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
