Heyang Point (BL-55 / Yang Union)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Heyang (BL-55 / Yang Union). Learn its benefits for lumbar pain, lower limb soreness, flaccidity, metrorrhagia, and leukorrhea – the union of yang qi – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Lumbar and spinal pain, lower limb soreness, flaccidity/bi-syndrome, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, lumbar and leg pain, and hernia.
Precise Location
In the posterior region of the lower leg, 2 cun below the popliteal crease, between the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. Directly 3 finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) below the midpoint of the popliteal crease.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone with the knee flexed. Measure 3 finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) directly downward from the midpoint of the popliteal crease – the point is in the depression between the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press, knead, or pluck with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press, knead, or pluck Heyang with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat lumbar and abdominal pain. Therapeutic actions: Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, strengthens the lumbar region and knees, regulates the lower jiao, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea.
Compatibility
Lumbar pain: Combine with Yaoyangguan (GV-3). Lumbar and spinal pain, lower limb soreness: Combine with Weizhong (BL-40), Chengshan (BL-57), and Kunlun (BL-60). Metrorrhagia and leukorrhea: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Shenshu (BL-23). Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Zusanli (ST-36).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, strengthens the lumbar region and knees, regulates the lower jiao, and regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea. It is a commonly used key point for treating lumbar-leg pain and gynecological disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "He" means to unite or converge; "Yang" refers to yang qi or the yang meridians. Located on the posterior lower leg, this point is where yang qi of the Bladder Meridian converges – hence the name Heyang (Yang Union).
Contraindications
Located on the posterior lower leg, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.8–1.2 cun vertically to avoid injury to nerves and blood vessels. Moxibustion is permissible.
