Bulang Point (KI-22 / Corridor of Steps)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Bulang (KI-22 / Corridor of Steps). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, chest pain, and mastitis – the Kidney meridian point for soothing the chest – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, chest pain, acute mastitis, nasal congestion, gastritis, pleurisy, intercostal neuralgia, and chest tightness.
Precise Location
On the chest, in the 5th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Locate one intercostal space below the nipple (the nipple is approximately at the 4th intercostal space) – the point is 3 finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) lateral to the anterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. First locate the nipple (approximately at the 4th intercostal space), move down one intercostal space to the 5th intercostal space – the point is 3 finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) lateral to the anterior midline, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Bulang with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat wheezing and cough. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
External cough and wheezing: Combine with Dingchuan (EX-B1) and Lieque (LU-7). Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Tiantu (RN-22), and Tanzhong (RN-17). Chest pain and intercostal neuralgia: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17), Zhigou (TE-6), and Yanglingquan (GB-34). Acute mastitis: Combine with Rugen (ST-18), Tanzhong (RN-17), and Jianjing (GB-21). Nasal congestion: Combine with Yingxiang (LI-20) and Yintang (EX-HN3).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating chest, lung, and respiratory system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Bu" means to walk or step; "Lang" means corridor or cloister. Located on the chest, this point is where Kidney Meridian qi ascends like walking through a corridor – hence the name Bulang (Corridor of Steps).
