Ciliao Point (BL-32 / Second Bone Crevice)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Ciliao (BL-32 / Second Bone Crevice). Learn its benefits for dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, 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, dysmenorrhea, and lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome.
Precise Location
In the sacral region, directly in the 2nd posterior sacral foramen.
Location Method
Stand upright – the point is in the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, approximately at the midpoint of the shortest line connecting the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline of the Governor Vessel.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Ciliao with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea. Therapeutic actions: Regulates the lower jiao, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, tonifies the kidney and strengthens the lumbar region, unblocks urination and defecation.
Compatibility
Irregular menstruation: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Dysmenorrhea: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Diji (SP-8), and Guanyuan (RN-4). Leukorrhea: Combine with Daimai (GB-26), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Spermatorrhea and impotence: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Difficult urination and defecation: Combine with Pangguangshu (BL-28), Zhongji (RN-3), 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). 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 and is the meeting point of the Bladder Meridian and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It regulates the lower jiao, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, tonifies the kidney and strengthens the lumbar region, and unblocks urination and defecation. It is a commonly used key point for treating gynecological, andrological, and lumbosacral disorders – especially effective for dysmenorrhea. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Ci” means second; “Liao” means bone crevice or gap. Located in the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, below Shangliao and above Zhongliao, ranking second – hence the name Ciliao (Second Bone Crevice).
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.
