Chengshan Point (BL-57 / Mountain Support, also known as Yufu, Shangshan, Rouzhu)
Relaxes the sinews and stops spasms, clears heat and drains dampness, disperses stasis and relieves hemorrhoids. Based on its properties, this point is mainly used for hemorrhoids, constipation, perianal pruritus, dysmenorrhea, and lumbar and leg pain.
Indications
Hemorrhoids, constipation, abdominal pain, foot weakness, calf cramps (gastrocnemius spasm), and lumbar and leg pain. (1) Motor system disorders: Stiff neck, shoulder-arm pain, gastrocnemius spasm, acute lumbar sprain, lower limb paralysis, sciatica, foot drop. (2) Perianal disorders: Constipation, hematochezia, hemorrhoids, perianal pruritus, perianal abscess, rectal prolapse. (3) Others: Dysmenorrhea, cold lower limbs, infantile convulsions, urinary disorders, neurosis, etc.
Precise Location
At the midpoint of the posterior calf, between Weizhong (BL-40) and Kunlun (BL-60), in the depression below the gastrocnemius muscle belly when the leg is straightened and the heel is lifted.
Location Method
Sit upright with the foot placed on the opposite knee. Hold the ankle with the same-side hand, with the thumb pad following the midline of the heel (Achilles tendon) upward – the point is at the center of the "V" shape at the lower calf.
Massage Method
Lightly hold the calf with four fingers and knead with the thumb pad – apply to both sides for 1–3 minutes each, or simultaneously. Therapeutic actions: Transforms water-damp, solidifies the spleen earth, relaxes sinews and relieves spasms, regulates the intestines and treats hemorrhoids.
Compatibility
Paralysis: Combine with Chengfu (BL-36), Huantiao (GB-30), Chengshan (BL-57), and Fengshi (GB-31). Disease overview: Paralysis is the partial or complete loss of motor function due to neurological disorders – clinically divided into functional paralysis (psychogenic, hysterical) and organic paralysis (upper motor neuron, lower motor neuron, and myopathic). Massage sequence: First massage Chengfu for 3 minutes, press Huantiao with the middle finger for 2 minutes, then massage Chengshan and Fengshi for 2 minutes each. Hemorrhoids: Combine with Huiyang (BL-35). Diabetes: Combine with Laogong (PC-8), Zusanli (ST-36), Xuehai (SP-10), Liangqiu (ST-34), and Chengshan (BL-57). Cold lower limb pain: Combine with Yinshi (ST-33). Constipation: Combine with Zhigou (TE-6) and Tianshu (ST-25). Hemorrhoids: Combine with Erbai (EX-UE2). Hemorrhoid bleeding: Combine with Kongzui (LU-6). Rectal prolapse: Combine with Baihui (GV-20) and Changqiang (GV-1). Frozen shoulder: Combine with Tiaokou (ST-38). Post-stroke lower limb contracture with limited flexion/extension: Combine with Weizhong (BL-40) and Yanglingquan (GB-34). Cholera with spasms: Combine with Jinmen (BL-63), Pucan (BL-61), and Chengjin (BL-56). Hot soles with inability to stand long: Combine with Tiaokou (ST-38), Zusanli (ST-36), and Chengjin (BL-56). Lumbar, spinal, and back pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40).
Efficacy & Actions
Chengshan belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It relaxes the sinews and relieves spasms, regulates the intestines and treats hemorrhoids. It is a commonly used point for treating lower limb disorders along the Bladder Meridian pathway and anal conditions, and is a specific point for gastrocnemius spasm and hemorrhoids. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Cheng" means to bear or support; "Shan" refers to the mountain-like prominence of the gastrocnemius muscle. Located in the depression at the lower end of the gastrocnemius muscle belly, shaped like a valley, bearing the weight of the body like a mountain – hence the name Chengshan (Mountain Support). It is also known as "Yufu," "Shangshan," and "Rouzhu." As the name suggests, Chengshan means "bearing a mountain." When standing, the calf muscles feel tense, and Chengshan is located at the junction of sinews, bones, and muscles – the most direct stress point. In our daily life, we also bear immense pressure from work and study – prolonged pressure causes fatigue. Gentle pressing of Chengshan helps relieve fatigue and stress. (1) Common Point for Cervical, Shoulder, Lumbar and Leg Pain: As a Bladder Meridian point – the Bladder Meridian distributes over the head, neck, spine, back, and lower limbs – according to "where the meridian passes, there it treats," Chengshan treats acute neck sprain, acute lumbar sprain, frozen shoulder, gastrocnemius spasm, sciatica, knee pain, and foot pain – especially specific for gastrocnemius spasm. (2) Specific Point for Perianal Disorders: This point treats various perianal conditions such as hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, perianal pruritus, and constipation. The therapeutic principle is based on the meridian divergence – the Bladder Meridian divergence "enters the anus" – thus Chengshan regulates qi and the intestines. Clinical experience throughout history has confirmed this. The Yulong Ge states: "All nine types of hemorrhoids are best treated by needling Chengshan with miraculous effect." The Zhouhou Ge states: "Five types of hemorrhoids caused by blood heat – needling Chengshan eliminates them." The Baizheng Fu states: "Needling Changqiang and Chengshan effectively treats intestinal wind with bleeding." (3) Other Therapeutic Effects: Also used for dysmenorrhea, urinary disorders, and cold lower limbs – often combined with Yinshi (ST-33) and Xiajuxu (ST-39) with moxibustion for significant results.
Contraindications
Although Chengshan is located in fleshy muscle tissue, excessive deep or strong stimulation should be avoided to prevent gastrocnemius spasm or lower limb discomfort. For treating perianal disorders, oblique upward needling is preferred to direct the needling sensation toward the anus.
