Shenmai (BL62)
Shenmai (BL62), “Ninth Hour Vessel”, is a point on the Bladder meridian. It is point 62 of the 67 on the channel. Opening point of the Yang Qiao Mai: calms the Shen, benefits the eyes and relaxes the lateral leg.
Location
In the depression directly below the prominence of the lateral malleolus.
Functions according to tradition
Opening point of the Yang Qiao Mai: calms the Shen, benefits the eyes and relaxes the lateral leg.
Traditional indications
- Insomnia
- Epilepsy
- Occipital headache
- Low back pain
- Ankle sprain
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
At this point the channel crosses the Yang Heel Vessel (Yang Qiao Mai, 阳跷脉), one of the eight extraordinary vessels.
It belongs to the small group of points that tradition associates with an entire region of the body (Zusanli with the abdomen, Weizhong with the back, Lieque with the head and nape, Hegu with the face and mouth…).
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.
- GB13 Benshen (Gallbladder): Epilepsy, Insomnia
- GB19 Naokong (Gallbladder): Epilepsy, Occipital headache
- GV15 Yamen (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Epilepsy, Occipital headache
- GV17 Naohu (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Epilepsy, Occipital headache
- GV19 Houding (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Epilepsy, Insomnia
- SI3 Houxi (Small Intestine): Epilepsy, Insomnia
Point profile
- Code
- BL62
- Pinyin name
- Shēn Mài
- Characters
- 申脉
- Translation
- Ninth Hour Vessel
- Meridian
- Bladder
- Element
- Water
- Classification
- Yang Qiao Mai, Command point
- Topics
- Ankle, Calming
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.
