Shugu Point (BL-65 / Binding Bone)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shugu (BL-65 / Binding Bone). Learn its benefits for headache, red eyes, tinnitus, and hemorrhoids – the Shu-Stream point of the Bladder Meridian – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache, red painful eyes, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, posterior lower limb pain, dizziness, stiff neck, and lumbar and back pain.
Precise Location
On the lateral side of the foot, proximal to the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white skin.
Location Method
The point is at the junction of the red and white skin, posterior to the joint connecting the little toe and the metatarsal bone – 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 Shugu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat headache, red painful eyes, and tinnitus. Therapeutic actions: Dredges the meridians and unblocks the collaterals, clears the head and brightens the eyes, unblocks the meridians and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Dizziness: Combine with Taichong (LR-3) and Shenshu (BL-23). Headache: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Red painful eyes: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Hegu (LI-4). Tinnitus: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Yifeng (TE-17), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Hemorrhoids: Combine with Chengshan (BL-57), Changqiang (GV-1), and Huiyang (BL-35). Posterior lower limb pain and lumbar-back pain: Combine with Weizhong (BL-40), Chengshan (BL-57), and Kunlun (BL-60). Stiff neck: Combine with Tianzhu (BL-10) and Houxi (SI-3).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Shu-Stream point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Wood element in the five-element theory). It dredges the meridians and unblocks the collaterals, clears the head and brightens the eyes, unblocks the meridians and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and lower limb disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Shu" means to bind or gather; "Gu" means bone. Located on the lateral foot, this point has the function of binding bones and regulating meridian qi – hence the name Shugu (Binding Bone).
Contraindications
Located on the lateral foot, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.3–0.5 cun vertically to avoid periosteal injury. Moxibustion is permissible.
