Acupuncture Points for Bladder Dysfunction

4 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Bladder Dysfunction

How often each point appears across the 4 entries ranked highest for Bladder Dysfunction. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • BL32Second Bone HoleBladder Meridian2 of 4
  • CV03Central PivotConception Vessel2 of 4
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel2 of 4
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 4
  • BL28Bladder Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 4
  • BL33Middle Bone HoleBladder Meridian1 of 4
  • BL35Meeting Of YangBladder Meridian1 of 4
  • GV03Yang Lumbar GateGoverning Vessel1 of 4
  • GV04Life GateGoverning Vessel1 of 4
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian1 of 4
  • ST25Celestial PivotStomach Meridian1 of 4
  • ST34Ridge MoundStomach Meridian1 of 4

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

BL32 · BL33 · BL35

Point 1 of 3

BL32Second Bone Hole

BL32 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 次髎 (cì hé)

🎯 Location: On the sacrum medial and inferior to the posterior superior iliac spine just at the 2nd posterior sacral foramen.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in sacroiliac dysfunction.

🛡️ Treats: Constipation, Pain, Urinary Retention, Infertility, Sciatica

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231216-k0001
Corroborated by a second study. BL32 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230831-0004

Protocol (3 points)

100%

SP06 · CV03 · CV04

Point 1 of 3

SP06Three Yin Intersection

SP06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陰交 (sān yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231216-k0001
Corroborated by a second study. CV03, CV04 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230831-0004

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST25 · ST34 · ST37 · ST40

Point 1 of 4

ST25Celestial Pivot

ST25 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天樞 (tiān shū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency – treatment here is adjunctive at most and must never delay surgical assessment. Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Constipation, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.19763/j.cnki.2096-7403.2024.03.14
Not corroborated. No other study in the index uses any of these points for this search.

Protocol (7 points)

100%

BL23 · BL28 · BL32 · CV03 · CV04 · GV03 · GV04

Point 1 of 7

BL23Kidney Shu Point

BL23 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腎俞 (shèn yú)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV04 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Asthma, Tinnitus, Qi Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230831-0004
Corroborated by a second study. CV03, CV04 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231216-k0001
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Using Acupoints for Bladder Dysfunction

Self-Treatment Guidelines

  • Locate acupoints using anatomical landmarks
  • Apply firm, steady pressure for 1-3 minutes
  • Treat 2-3 times daily for best results

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Severe or persistent Bladder Dysfunction
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

Disclaimer: The acupoint information provided is for educational purposes only.