Shangliao Point (BL-31 / Upper Bone Crevice)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shangliao (BL-31 / Upper Bone Crevice). Learn its benefits for irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, spermatorrhea, impotence, and lumbosacral pain – one of the eight-liao points – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, spermatorrhea, impotence, difficult urination and defecation, lumbosacral pain, lumbar and knee soreness and weakness, and lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome. This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Bladder Meridian and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It regulates the lower jiao, strengthens the lumbar region and knees, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, and tonifies the kidney and secures essence. It is a key point for treating lumbosacral and urogenital disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shang" means upper; "Liao" means bone crevice or gap. Located in the 1st posterior sacral foramen, superior to the other eight-liao points – hence the name Shangliao (Upper Bone Crevice).
Precise Location
In the sacral region, directly in the 1st posterior sacral foramen.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. The point is approximately 0.5 cun lateral to the midline of the sacral region, level with the 1st posterior sacral foramen.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Shangliao with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat irregular menstruation, spermatorrhea, and impotence. Therapeutic actions: Regulates the lower jiao, strengthens the lumbar region and knees, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, tonifies the kidney and secures essence.
Compatibility
Difficult urination: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Zhongji (RN-3). Irregular menstruation and leukorrhea: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Shenshu (BL-23). Spermatorrhea and impotence: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Lumbosacral pain and lumbar and knee soreness and weakness: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Dachangshu (BL-25), and Weizhong (BL-40). Difficult urination and defecation: Combine with Pangguangshu (BL-28), Zhongji (RN-3), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Zusanli (ST-36).
Contraindications
Located in the sacral region, needling should not be too deep – generally 0.8–1.2 cun vertically to avoid injury to internal tissues. Moxibustion is permissible.
