The Urinary Bladder Channel Primary Pathway
1. begins at the inner canthus of the eye at Jingming BL-1 and ascends along the forehead
to the vertex to intersect with GB-15, DU-24 and DU-20,
2. from the vertex, a branch descends to the temples in the region above the ear,
intersecting the Gall Bladder channel at points GB-7, GB-8, GB-9, GB-10, Touqiaoyin
GB-11 and GB-12.
3. from the vertex, another branch enters the brain, meets the Governing channel at DU-17
and then emerges to descend to the nape of the neck where the channel splits into two
branches.
The first (medial) branch:
1. descends along the posterior aspect of the neck, intersecting DU-14 and DU-13, then
descends alongside the spine, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, to the lumbar region,
2. penetrates deep into the interior via the paravertebral muscles to connect with the
Kidneys and link with the Bladder,
3. a sub-branch separates in the lumbar region, descends along the sacrum, crosses the
buttock and descends to the popliteal fossa of the knee at BL-40.
The second (lateral) branch
1. separates at the nape of the neck and descends to the medial border of the scapula and
then parallel to the spine, 3 cun lateral to the midline, to the gluteal region,
2. crosses the buttock to intersect at GB-30, then descends along the postero-lateral
aspect of the thigh to meet with the previous branch of the channel in the popliteal fossa
at BL-40,
3. descends through the gastrocnemius muscle, emerges posterior to the lateral malleolus
at BL-60, then follows along the fifth metatarsal bone to terminate at BL-67 at the lateral
side of the tip of the fifth toe, where it meets with the Kidney channel .
The Bladder primary channel connects with the following zangfu: Kidneys, Bladder.
The Bladder primary channel meets with other channels at the following points:
DU-20, DU-24, GB-15, GB-7, GB-8, GB-9, GB-IO, GB-11, GB-12, DU-17, DU-14, DU-13 and
GB-30.
Note: although not mentioned in the classical pathway described above, the following points are
also traditionally said to be meeting points with the Bladder channel: LI-14, SI-10 and GB-23.
The UB Channel Luo-Connecting Pathway
separates from the primary channel at BL-58 and connects with the Kidney channel.
The UB Channel Divergent Pathway
- diverges from the primary channel in the popliteal fossa and ascends to a point five cun
inferior to the sacrum, then winds around the anus, connects with the Bladder and
disperses in the Kidneys, ascends alongside the spine and disperses in the cardiac
region, then emerges at the neck to rejoin the Bladder primary channel.
The UB Channel Sinew Pathway
1. originates at the little toe and ascends past the lateral malleolus, and then ascends to
bind at the (lateral aspect of) the knee,
2. another branch separates below the lateral malleolus and binds at the heel, then
ascends along the Achilles tendon to the lateral aspect of the popliteal fossa,
3. another branch separates from this branch in the calf (at the convergence of the two
heads of the gastrocnemius muscle) and ascends to the medial aspect of the popliteal
fossa,
4. the two branches join in the gluteal region and ascend to bind at the buttock,
5. the channel then ascends laterally along the spine to the nape of the neck, where a
branch penetrates to bind at the root of the tongue,
6. the main ascending branch continues upwards to bind at the occipital bone, and
ascends over the crown of the head to bind at the bridge of the nose, then circles the
eye and binds at the cheek bone,
7. another branch separates on the back and ascends to the medial side of the posterior
axillary crease, then binds at LI-15,
8. another branch crosses beneath the axilla and ascends the chest to emerge at the
supraclavicular fossa, then ascends to bind at GB-12 behind the ear,
9. finally another branch, after emerging from the supraclavicular fossa, rises to the cheek
bone alongside the nose.
Pathological symptoms of the Bladder sinew channel:
Strain of the little toe, pain and swelling of the heel, spasm of the popliteal region, opisthotonos,
spasm and tension of the nape of the neck, inability to raise the shoulder, strain of the axilla,
pain and strain of the supraclavicular fossa.
Important Notes:
The Bladder channel of foot taiyang channel is interiorly-exteriorly coupled with the Kidney
channel and paired with the Small Intestine channel of hand taiyang according to six channel
theory. The Bladder-Kidney relationship is further strengthened by the fact that:
1. the Bladder primary channel enters the Kidney zang.
2. the Bladder primary channel meets the Kidney channel at BL-67.
3. the Bladder divergent channel disperses in the Kidneys.
4. the Bladder luo-connecting channel connects with the Kidney channel.
it is also important to note that:
1. the Bladder primary channel begins at the inner canthus of the eye.
2. the Bladder primary channel intersects the Governing vessel at points DU-13, DU-14,
DU-17 and DU-20, where it enters the brain.
3. the Bladder primary channel descends paravertebrally in two lines, one at 1.5 cun lateral
to the midline, the other at 3 cun lateral to the midline; the inner line includes the
back-shu points of the twelve zangfu, as well as the (Influential points) hui-meeting
points for blood and bones.
4. the Bladder divergent channel winds around the anus
5. the Bladder divergent channel enters the Heart
6. the Bladder sinew channel passes beneath the axilla.
The function of the Bladder is to store fluid and via its qi transformation action to convert the
waste into urine for excretion.
Like the Small and Large Intestine and Sanjiao channels, however, there is little direct clinical
relationship between the Bladder channel and the function of the Bladder fu.
It is true that several points of the Bladder channel are important in the treatment of urinary
diseases, but this is primarily due to the fact that they are:
1. back-shu points of the Sanjiao, Kidneys or Bladder (BL-22, BL-23 and BL-28
respectively),
2. local points lying over the region of the Bladder (for example BL-32), or
3. distal points with a special relationship to fluid transformation, for example BL-39, the
lower he-sea point of the Sanjiao.
Functions and Clinical Application of Bladder points:
1. Eliminate both exterior and interior wind:
Due to its length and the different regions of the body it traverses, points of the Bladder
channel have a great range of actions and indications: The Taiyang Bladder channel,
with sixty-seven points, is the longest channel in the body. It ascends over the head
(yang) and then down the entire posterior - hence, the most yang portion of the body.
Taiyang channel is the most superficial of the six channels and is therefore the first to be
attacked by exterior wind. Wind is a yang pathogen, and both exterior and interior wind
have the tendency to ascend to the head and brain. Many of the points of the Bladder
channel, therefore, are important in clinical practice to eliminate both exterior and interior
wind from the body.
2. Treat psycho-emotional disorders:
The Bladder channel enters the brain, whilst the Bladder divergent channel connects
with the Heart. Since the time of the Essential Questions, Chinese medicine has
recognized that disharmony of the brain or Heart, either singly or together, can give rise
to psyche-emotional disorders. Points of the Bladder channel on the head from BL-2 to
BL-10, and on the foot from BL-60 to BL-66 all treat such disorders as mania and
epilepsy. In addition, certain of the back-shu points such as BL-13, BL-15 and BL-18
treat a variety of disorders of the spirit, in this case due to their action on the Lung, Heart
and Liver zang as much as their effect on the Bladder channel itself.
3. Treat disorders of the eyes, nose, head and face:
Points BL-1 (at the inner canthus of the eye) to BL-10 (on the nape of the neck) expel
exterior wind from their local area, pacify interior wind and treat disorders of the eyes,
nose, head and face.
4. Treat zang fu organ, various tissues, substances and sense organ problems:
The points of the inner, medial portion of the Bladder channel on the back have an
enormous variety of actions and indications. Starting with BL-11, the hui-meeting point of
bone, through to BL-28, the back-shu point of the Bladder, these points have a profound
effect on the zangfu and the various tissues, substances and sense organs of the body.
Despite their express action on specific zangfu, however, some generalizations can be
made.
a. Points BL-11 to BL-13 are able to expel exterior pathogens and regulate the
Lung.
b. Points BL-14 and BL-15 treat the Heart and spirit.
c. Points BL-17 to BL-22 treat disorders of the middle jiao (Stomach, Spleen, Liver
and Gall Bladder).
d. Points BL-23 to BL-35 and BL-53 to BL-55 treat disorders of the Kidneys, lumbar
region and lower jiao (intestines, Bladder, uterus, genitals, anus).
e. Points of the outer, lateral, Bladder channel on the back from BL-41 (level with
BL-12) through to BL-52 (level with BL-23) have similar indications to the
corresponding points of the inner Bladder channel (ie. the back shu points),
although they are generally less extensive in their actions and indications.
Exceptions are BL-42 and BL-43 which have a profound effect on tonifying
deficiency.
f. It is well-known also that five of these points (BL-42, BL-44, BL-47, BL-49 and
BL-52) are named after the five spiritual aspects. Despite the strong implication
that these points may be used to treat disorders of these five aspects of a
person's psyche-emotional being, however, there is scanty evidence in classical
texts that they have been used for this purpose.
g. Points on the posterior portion of the thigh from BL-36 to BL-60 treat disorders of
the lumbar region, anus and leg.
5. Treat disorders of the head, upper and lower back, upper and lower leg and foot:
BL-58, located on the calf, is the first distal point of the Bladder channel to have an effect
on disorders of the head, and this action becomes more pronounced as the channel
travels distally towards BL-67, the terminal point of the channel. In keeping with the
general characteristics of the channels, especially the yang channels, the more distal the
points, the stronger their effect on the channel as a whole rather than simply their local
area. This may be observed in the indications for points BL-60 to BL-64, which treat
disorders of the Bladder channel in the head, upper and lower back, upper and lower leg
and foot.
6. Treat various excess conditions affecting the head, brain and sense organs (yang
regions) due to yang pathogens:
The extreme yang nature of the Taiyang (supreme yang) Bladder channel, coupled with
its penetration of the head and brain, renders these points effective in the treatment of
aggressive yang pathogens, whether in the form of exterior wind or heat which injure the
upper part of the body, or in the form of interior wind, interior fire and uprising of yang
which assault the head and brain. These points, therefore, are indicated in a variety of
excess conditions affecting the head, brain and sense organs.
Summary of Indications of the bladder Channel:
1. Symptoms and signs in the areas where the Bladder channel traverses: such as the
head, eye, neck, back, lumbar region and lower limbs
2. Mental Disorders
3. Zang fu organs and their related tissues, sense organs and spiritual problems
UB-1
Nature: Cross Point – SI & ST & GB & TW & DU & Yangqiao & Yinqiao
Needling: P 0.3-0.7 cun
Location: 0.1 cun superior to inner canthus, near the medial border of the orbit
Function: expel wind and clear heat, benefit the eyes
UB-2
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob/sub down or laterally 0.3 -0.5 cun
Location: On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch
Function: Eliminates wind, clear heat. Benefit the eyes. Clear the head and alleviate pain
UB-3
Nature: No Nature
Needling: sub 0.3 -0.5 cun
Location: directly above UB-2, 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, between DU-24 and UB-4
Function: expel wind, clear the head, alleviate pain. Benefit the eyes and nose
UB-4
Nature: No Nature
Needling: sub 0.3 -0.5 cun
Location: 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to DU-24 and one third the distance
between DU-24 and ST-8
Function: Expel wind clear the head, alleviate pain. Benefit the eyes and nose
UB-5
Nature: No Nature
Needling: sub 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: 0.5 cun posterior to UB-4, 1 cun within the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to DU-23
Function: eliminate wind, descends yang and clear heat. Clear the head and nose
UB-6
Nature: No Nature
Needling: sub 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: 1.5 cun posterior to Wuchu B-5, 2.5 cun within the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to
Du Channel
Function: Eliminate wind and clear heat, Clear the head and benefit the eyes and nose
UB-7
Nature: No Nature
Needling: sub 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: 1.5 cun posterior to Chengguang B-6 and 4 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, 1.5
cun lateral to Du channel
Function: Subdue interior wind open orifices, stop convulsion, clear the head. Clear the nose,
brighten the eyes
UB-8
Nature: No Nature
Needling: sub 0.5 – 1.0 cun
Location: 1.5 cun posterior to tongtian B-7, 5.5 cun posterior the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral
to the midline
Function: Benefit the sense organ. Pacify wind, transform phlegm and calm the spirit
UB-9
Nature: No Nature
Needling: sub 0.5 – 1.0 cun
Location: 1.3 cun lateral to Naohu Du-17 (which is located in the depression superior to the
external occipital protuberance, 1.5 cun superior to Fengfu Du-16), on the lateral side of the
superior border of the external occipital protuberance
Function: Expel wind cold alleviate pain. Benefit the nose and eyes
UB-10
Nature: No Nature
Needling: Perpendicular 0.5 – 0.8 cun
Location: 1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15, in the depression on the lateral aspect of m. trapezius
Function: Expel wind (exterior and interior). Open the orifices, clear the brain. Remove
obstruction sooth the sinews. Brighten the eye. Invigorate the lower back
UB-11
Nature: Influential point of Bone
Cross Point – UB & SI & TW & GB & DU
Needling: ob 0.5 – 0.7 towards spine
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra.
Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscle
Function: Benefit the bones and joints. Expel pathogenic factors and strengthen the exterior.
Regulate the lung qi and alleviate cough
UB-12
Nature: Cross Point – UB & DU
Needling: ob 0.5 – 0.7 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic
vertebra (T2)
Function: Expel wind and release the exterior. Strengthen the defensive qi and firm the exterior.
Stimulate the lungs dispersing function, benefit the nose
UB-13
Nature: Back Shu Point of the Lung
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra
(T3)
Preeminent Point to treat all lung disorders
Function: 1. Tonify lung qi and nourish lung yin. 2. Stimulate the lung's descending and
dispersing function. 3. Clear heat from the lung. 4. Release the exterior
UB-14
Nature: Back Shu Point of Pericardium
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth thoracic
vertebra (T4)
Function: Spread the liver qi and unbind the chest. Regulate the heart. Regulate and descend qi
UB-15
Nature: Back Shu of the Heart
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra
(T5)
Function: Tonify and nourish the heart. Regulate heart qi. Calm the mind. Unbind the chest and
resolve blood stasis. Clear heart fire
UB-16
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.5 -0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra
(T6)
Function: Regulate qi in the chest and abdomen
UB-17
Nature: Influential Point of Blood
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic
vertebra (T7)
Function: Invigorate blood, dispel stasis. Cool blood heat, stop bleeding. Nourish and harmonize
blood (for all blood disorders: stasis, heat, deficiency). Harmonize the diaphragm and descend
rebellious qi
UB-18
Nature: Back Shu Point of the Liver
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra
(T9)
Function: Benefit the liver and gallbladder. Resolve damp heat. Move the stagnation of qi.
Benefit the eyes. Eliminate wind
UB-19
Nature: Back Shu Point of Gallbladder
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th vertebra (T10)
Function: Clear damp heat from the liver and gallbladder. Pacify the stomach. Relax the
diaphragm
UB-20
Nature: Back Shu Point of Spleen
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra
(T11)
Function: Tonify spleen and stomach. Resolve dampness. Nourish blood. Raise the spleen qi
and hold blood
UB-21
Nature: Back Shu Point of the Stomach
Needling: ob 0.5 – 0.7 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra
(T12)
Function: Regulate and tonify the stomach qi. Resolve dampness. Pacify the stomach. Promote
digestion
UB-22
Nature: Back Shu Point of the Sanjiao
Needling: ob 0.5 – 1.0 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra
(L1)
Function: Resolve dampness. Open the water passage. Regulate the transformation of fluid in
the lower burner
UB-23
Nature: Back Shu Point of the Kidney
Needling: perpendicular 1- 1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra
(L2)
Function: Tonify the kidney yang. Nourish the kidney yin. Benefits the kidney essence. Firm the
kidney qi. Regulate the water passage and benefit urination. Benefit and warm the uterus.
Benefit the eyes and ear. Strengthen the lumbar region
UB-24
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd lumbar vertebra
(L3)
Function: Strengthen the lumbar region and legs. Regulate the lower jiao
UB-25
Nature: Back Shu of the Large Intestine
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra
(L4)
Function: Promote function of the large intestine, Strengthen the lower back, Relieve fullness
and distention
UB-26
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.8 -1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th lumbar vertebra
(L5)
Function: Strengthen the lumbar region, Regulate the lower jiao
UB-27
Nature: Back Shu Point of Small Intestine
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the DU channel, at the level of the 1st posterior sacral foramen
Function: Regulate the small intestine, Resolve dampness, Clear heat, Benefit urination
UB-28
Nature: Back Shu point of Bladder
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the DU channel, at the level of the second sacral foramen
Function: Regulate the bladder, Resolve dampness, Clear heat, Stop pain, Eliminate stagnation,
open the water passage of the lower jiao, Strengthen the back
UB-29
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to DU channel, at the level of the 3rd sacral foramen
Function: Benefit the lumbar region, Dispel cold and stop diarrhea
UB-30
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to DU channel, at the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen
Function: Benefit the lumbar and legs. Regulate menstruation. Stop leucorrhea and seminal
emission
UB-31
Nature: Cross Point UB and GB
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: In the 1st posterior sacral foramen
Function: Regulate the lower jiao and facilitate urination and defecation, Regulate menstruation
and stop leucorrhea, Benefit the lumbar and legs
UB-32
Nature: Cross Point UB and GB
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: In the 2nd posterior sacral foramen
Function: Regulate the lower jiao and facilitate urination and defecation, Regulate menstruation
and stop leucorrhea, Benefit the lumbar and legs
UB-33
Nature: Crossing Point of UB and GB
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: In the 3rd posterior sacral foramen
Function: Regulate lower jiao and facilitate urination and defecation, Regulate menstruation and
stop leucorrhea
UB-34
Nature: Cross Point UB and GB
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: In the 4th posterior sacral foramen
Function: Regulate the lower jiao and facilitate urination and defecation, Regulate menstruation
and stop leucorrhea
UB-35
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: 0.5 cun lateral to DU channel, level with the tip of coccyx
Function: Clear damp heat and regulate the lower jiao, Benefit the coccyx and treat hemorrhoids
UB-36
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 1.0-1.5 cun
Location: Just below the buttock, on the line directly above UB-40, in the middle of the
transverse gluteal fold/crease, in a depression between the hamstring muscles. Locate this
point in the prone position
Function: Remove the obstruction from the channel, Strengthen the lower back and legs
UB-37
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 1.0-2.0 cun
Location: On the back of the thigh, in the depression between the hamstring muscles, 6 cun
below chengfu UB-36 and 8 cun above Weizhong UB-40. On the line joining chengfu UB-36 and
Weizhong UB-40
Function: Activate the channel and alleviate pain, Benefit the lumbar spine and leg
UB-38
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: On the back of the knee, 1 cun superior to Weiyang B-39, on the medial side of the
tendon of biceps femoris. The point is located with the knee slightly flexed
Function: Relax the sinews and alleviate pain, Clear heat and sooth contraction
UB-39
Nature: Lower He-Sea Point of Sanjiao
Needling: perpendicular 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: At the back of the knee, on the popliteal crease and towards its lateral end, in the
depression medial to the tendon of biceps femoris
The point is located with the knee slightly flexed
Function: Open the water passage, stimulate the transformation and excretion of fluid in the
lower jiao and benefit the bladder, Activate the channel, alleviate pain
UB-40
Nature: He Sea, Lower He Sea of UB
Needling: Perpendicular 0.5-1.0 cun, prick
Location: Mid point of the transverse crease of the popliteal fossa, between the tendons of the
m. biceps femoris and m. semitendinosus
Function: Benefit the lumbar region and knees, Activate the channel and alleviate pain, Cool the
blood, Clear summer heat, Clear heat, resolve dampness, benefit the bladder
UB-41
Nature: Cross Point of UB and SI
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to Du channel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of
the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2) and level with fengmen B-12, on the spinal border of the scapula
Function: Activate the channel and alleviate pain, Expel wind and cold
UB-42
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to the DU channel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process
of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3) and level with Feishu B-13, on the spinal border of the scapula
Function: Tonify and nourish the lung, Sooth dyspnea and alleviate cough, Activate channel,
alleviate pain
UB-43
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to DU channel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of
the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4) and level with Jueyinshu B-14, on the spinal border of the scapula
Function: Tonify and nourish the lung, heart, kidney, spleen and stomach, Nourishing yin and
clear heat, Calm the mind, Foster the original qi, Resolve phlegm
UB-44
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to du channel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of
the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5) and level with xinshu B-15, on the spinal border of the scapula
Function: Open the chest, regulate qi, Calm the mind, Stop cough, Activate the channel and
alleviate pain
UB-45
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to DU channel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of
the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6) and level with Dushu B-16, on the spinal border of the scapula
Function: Expel wind, clear heat, descend lung qi, Invigorate qi and blood and alleviate pain
UB-46
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to Zhiyang DU-9, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process
of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7), approximately at the level of the inferior angle of the scapula
Function: Regulate the diaphragm, benefit the middle jiao and descend rebellious qi, Activate
the channel and alleviate pain
UB-47
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to Jinsuo DU-8 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of
the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9), level with Ganshu B-18
Function: Sooth the liver qi and relax the sinew, Harmonize the middle jiao
UB-48
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to Zhongshu Du-7 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process
of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10), level with Danshu B-19
Function: Regulate the gallbladder and clear damp heat, Harmonize the middle jiao
UB-49
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to Jizhong DU-6 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of
the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11), level with pishu B-20
Function: Clear damp heat, Regulate the spleen and stomach
UB-50
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to the DU channel, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process
of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12), level with weishu B-21
Function: Tonify the spleen and harmonize the stomach, eliminate stagnation
UB-51
Nature: No Nature
Needling: ob 0.3-0.5 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to Xuanshu DU-5, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process
of 1st lumbar vertebra (L1), level with Sanjiaoshu B-22
Function: Dispel stagnation, Benefit the breast
UB-52
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to Mingmen DU-4, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process
of the 2nd lumbar vertebra (L2), level with Shenshu B-23
Function: Tonify kidney and benefit the essence, Reinforce the will power, Strengthen the lower
back, Clear heat, resolve dampness, benefit urination
UB-53
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to the DU channel, at the level of the 2nd sacral posterior foramen
Function: Activate the channel, alleviate pain, benefit the lumbar region, Regulate the lower jiao,
benefit urination
UB-54
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 1.5-2.5 cun
Location: Lateral to the hiatus of the sacrum, 3 cun lateral to Yaoshu DU-2
Function: Activate the channel and alleviate pain, benefit the lumbar region, Regulate urination,
Treat hemorrhoids
UB-55
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.7-1.0
Location: 2 cun directly below weizhong B-40, between the medial and lateral heads of m.
gastrocnemius, on the line joining weizhong B-40 and chengshan B-57
Function: Activate channel and activate pain, Stop uterine bleeding and treat pain of the genitals
UB-56
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2cun
Location: 5 cun directly below Weizhong B-40 and midway between Heyang B-55 and
Chengshan B-57, in the center of the belly of the m. gastrocnemius
Function: Relax the sinews, benefit the foot and heel, Clear heat in the large intestine
UB-57
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2cun
Location: Directly below the belly of m. gastrocnemius, on the line joining weizhong B-40 and
tendon calcaneus, about 8 cun below weizhong B-40 and Kunlun B-60
Function: Relax the sinews, activate the channel, alleviate pain, Benefit the calf and heel, Treat
hemorrhoids
UB-58
Nature: Luo-Connecting Point of UB
Needling: perpendicular 0.7-1.0 cun
Location: 7 cun directly above Kunlun B-60, on the posterior border of the fibula about 1 cun
inferior and lateral to Chengshan B-57
Function: Remove obstruction from the channel, Treat hemorrhoids, Harmonize the upper and
lower jiao, Expel wind from Taiyang channel
UB-59
Nature: Xi Cleft point of Yangqiao Channel
Needling: perpendicular 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: 3 cun directly above B-60 Kunlun
Function: Remove obstruction from the channel, Invigorates the yangqiao channel, Strengthen
the back
UB-60
Nature: Jing River Point of UB
Needling: perpendicular 0.5 – 1.0 cun
Location: In the depression between the external malleolus and tendon calcaneus
Behind the ankle joint, in the depression between the prominence of the lateral malleolus and
Achilles tendon
Function: Expel wind, remove obstruction from the channel and relax the sinews, strengthens
the back, Clear heat, lead down excess yang, Invigorate blood, Promote labour
UB-61
Nature: Cross Point UB and Yangqiao
Needling: perpendicular 0.3 – 0.5 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, 1.5 cun inferior to Kunlun B-60 in the depression of
calcaneus at the junction of the red and white skin
Function: Relax the sinews, activate the channel and alleviate pain
UB-62
Nature: Confluent point of Yang qiao
Needling: perpendicular 0.3 – 0.5 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, approximately 0.5 cun inferior to the inferior border of
the lateral malleolus, in a depression posterior to the peroneal tendons
Function: Pacify interior wind, Calm the spirit, treat epilepsy, Benefit the head and eyes ,
Regulate the yang qiao channel, Activate channel and alleviate pain
UB-63
Nature: Xi-Cleft point of UB
Cross Point UB and Yangwei
Needling: perpendicular 0.3 – 0.5 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression posterior to the tuberosity of the fifth
metatarsal bone
In the depression lateral to the cuboid bone
Function: Pacify wind, Moderate acute conditions, Relax tendons, activate the channel, alleviate
pain
UB-64
Nature: Yuan Prime Point of UB
Needling: perpendicular 0.3 – 0.5 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression anterior and inferior to the tuberosity
of the 5th metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin
Function: Clear the head and eyes and eliminate wind, Calm the mind, Relax the sinews
activate channel
UB-65
Nature: Shu Stream Point of UB
Needling: perpendicular 0.3 – 0.5 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression posterior and inferior to the tuberosity
of the fifth metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin
Function: Clear head and eyes, Clear heat, dissipate swelling, Activate channel, alleviate pain
UB-66
Nature: Ying spring point of UB
Needling: perpendicular 0.2 – 0.3 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression anterior and inferior to the fifth
metatarso-phalangeal joint
Function: Clear head, Descends lung and stomach qi
UB-67
Nature: Jing Well Point of UB
Needling: Sup 0.1 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the small toe, at the junction of lines drawn along the lateral
border of the nail and the base of the nail, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail
Function: Expel wind and clear the head and eyes, Turn the fetus and facilitate labour
3-4 start points:
UB-10
Nature: No Nature
Needling: Perpendicular 0.5 – 0.8 cun
Location: 1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15, in the depression on the lateral aspect of m. trapezius
Function: Expel wind (exterior and interior). Open the orifices, clear the brain. Remove
obstruction sooth the sinews. Brighten the eye. Invigorate the lower back
UB-11
Nature: Influential point of Bone
Cross Point – UB & SI & TW & GB & DU
Needling: ob 0.5 – 0.7 towards spine
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra.
Locate at the visible highest point of the paraspinal muscle
Function: Benefit the bones and joints. Expel pathogenic factors and strengthen the exterior.
Regulate the lung qi and alleviate cough
UB-12
Nature: Cross Point – UB & DU
Needling: ob 0.5 – 0.7 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic
vertebra (T2)
Function: Expel wind and release the exterior. Strengthen the defensive qi and firm the exterior.
Stimulate the lungs dispersing function, benefit the nose
UB-13
Nature: Back Shu Point of the Lung
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra
(T3)
Preeminent Point to treat all lung disorders
Function: 1. Tonify lung qi and nourish lung yin. 2. Stimulate the lung's descending and
dispersing function. 3. Clear heat from the lung. 4. Release the exterior
UB-15
Nature: Back Shu of the Heart
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra
(T5)
Function: Tonify and nourish the heart. Regulate heart qi. Calm the mind. Unbind the chest and
resolve blood stasis. Clear heart fire
UB-17
Nature: Influential Point of Blood
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic
vertebra (T7)
Function: Invigorate blood, dispel stasis. Cool blood heat, stop bleeding. Nourish and harmonize
blood (for all blood disorders: stasis, heat, deficiency). Harmonize the diaphragm and descend
rebellious qi
UB-18
Nature: Back Shu Point of the Liver
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra
(T9)
Function: Benefit the liver and gallbladder. Resolve damp heat. Move the stagnation of qi.
Benefit the eyes. Eliminate wind
UB-20
Nature: Back Shu Point of Spleen
Needling: ob 0.5-0.7 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra
(T11)
Function: Tonify spleen and stomach. Resolve dampness. Nourish blood. Raise the spleen qi
and hold blood
UB-23
Nature: Back Shu Point of the Kidney
Needling: perpendicular 1- 1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra
(L2)
Function: Tonify the kidney yang. Nourish the kidney yin. Benefits the kidney essence. Firm the
kidney qi. Regulate the water passage and benefit urination. Benefit and warm the uterus.
Benefit the eyes and ear. Strengthen the lumbar region
UB-25
Nature: Back Shu of the Large Intestine
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra
(L4)
Function: Promote function of the large intestine, Strengthen the lower back, Relieve fullness
and distention
UB-32
Nature: Cross Point UB and GB
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2 cun
Location: In the 2nd posterior sacral foramen
Function: Regulate the lower jiao and facilitate urination and defecation, Regulate menstruation
and stop leucorrhea, Benefit the lumbar and legs
UB-40
Nature: He Sea, Lower He Sea of UB
Needling: Perpendicular 0.5-1.0 cun, prick
Location: Mid point of the transverse crease of the popliteal fossa, between the tendons of the
m. biceps femoris and m. semitendinosus
Function: Benefit the lumbar region and knees, Activate the channel and alleviate pain, Cool the
blood, Clear summer heat, Clear heat, resolve dampness, benefit the bladder
UB-52
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.5-1.0 cun
Location: 3 cun lateral to Mingmen DU-4, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process
of the 2nd lumbar vertebra (L2), level with Shenshu B-23
Function: Tonify kidney and benefit the essence, Reinforce the will power, Strengthen the lower
back, Clear heat, resolve dampness, benefit urination
UB-57
Nature: No Nature
Needling: perpendicular 0.8-1.2cun
Location: Directly below the belly of m. gastrocnemius, on the line joining weizhong B-40 and
tendon calcaneus, about 8 cun below weizhong B-40 and Kunlun B-60
Function: Relax the sinews, activate the channel, alleviate pain, Benefit the calf and heel, Treat
hemorrhoids
UB-60
Nature: Jing River Point of UB
Needling: perpendicular 0.5 – 1.0 cun
Location: In the depression between the external malleolus and tendon calcaneus
Behind the ankle joint, in the depression between the prominence of the lateral malleolus and
Achilles tendon
Function: Expel wind, remove obstruction from the channel and relax the sinews, strengthens
the back, Clear heat, lead down excess yang, Invigorate blood, Promote labour
UB-62
Nature: Confluent point of Yang qiao
Needling: perpendicular 0.3 – 0.5 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, approximately 0.5 cun inferior to the inferior border of
the lateral malleolus, in a depression posterior to the peroneal tendons
Function: Pacify interior wind, Calm the spirit, treat epilepsy, Benefit the head and eyes ,
Regulate the yang qiao channel, Activate channel and alleviate pain
UB-64
Nature: Yuan Prime Point of UB
Needling: perpendicular 0.3 – 0.5 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression anterior and inferior to the tuberosity
of the 5th metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin
Function: Clear the head and eyes and eliminate wind, Calm the mind, Relax the sinews
activate channel
UB-67
Nature: Jing Well Point of UB
Needling: Sup 0.1 cun
Location: On the lateral side of the small toe, at the junction of lines drawn along the lateral
border of the nail and the base of the nail, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail
Function: Expel wind and clear the head and eyes, Turn the fetus and facilitate labour