English Name:
Upper Crevice
Naming Convention:
Shangliao (BL31) (Upper Crevice)
Ciliao (BL32) (Second Crevice)
Zhongliao (BL33) (Middle Crevice)
Xialiao (BL34) (Lower Crevice)
These four points are respectively located in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th posterior sacral foramen. “Liao” means bony crevice, referring to the deep part of the foramen. The four points are situated in the following order: Shangliao (BL31) in the 1st foramen, Ciliao (BL32) in the 2nd, Zhongliao (BL33) in the 3rd and Xialiao (BL34) in the lowest one, hence their names.
Location:
The process in the centre of the sacrum at the level of the posterior superior iliac spine is the spinous process of the 1st sacral vertebra. Shangliao (BL31) is located in the 1st posterior sacral foramen, midway between the posterior superior iliac spine and the spinous process of the 1st sacral vertebra.
At the upper part of the coccygeal cornua is the sacral cornua, and the sacral hiatus is between the sacral cornua, which is at the same level of the 4th sacral foramen. Place the tip of the index finger between the posterior superior iliac spine and the posterior middle line, the tip of the little finger on the depression just at the lateral superior border of the sacral cornua and the other two fingers in between, so that they are equidistant and in a straight line. Shangliao (BL31), Ciliao (BL32), Zhongliao (BL33) and Xialiao (BL34) will be under the tips of the four fingers in the order of index, middle, ring and little fingers.
Clinical Applications:
Diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems.
Urgency of micturition.
Irregular menstruation.
Profuse leukorrhea.
Dysuria.
Dysmenorrhea.
Pain in the lower back.
Sciatica.
Caution: