Zhongliao Point (BL-33 / Middle Bone Crevice)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zhongliao (BL-33 / Middle Bone Crevice). Learn its benefits for 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, and reddish or whitish vaginal discharge.
Precise Location
In the sacral region, directly in the 3rd posterior sacral foramen.
Location Method
Lie prone. The point is approximately 0.5 cun lateral to the midline of the sacral region, level with the 3rd posterior sacral foramen.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Zhongliao with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat irregular menstruation and reddish or whitish vaginal discharge. Therapeutic actions: Regulates the lower jiao, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, tonifies the kidney and strengthens the lumbar region, unblocks urination and defecation.
Compatibility
Constipation: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36). Irregular menstruation and leukorrhea: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Shenshu (BL-23). 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).
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. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Zhong” means middle; “Liao” means bone crevice or gap. Located in the 3rd posterior sacral foramen, below Ciliao and above Xialiao, in the middle position – hence the name Zhongliao (Middle 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.
