Weizhong Point (BL-40 / Middle of the Crease, also known as Xuexi, Xizhong, Naozhong)
Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, activates blood and resolves stasis, unblocks the meridians and relieves pain, clears heat and removes toxins. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for cervical spondylosis, back pain, lumbar pain, leg pain, acute gastroenteritis, and acute allergic skin diseases.
Indications
Lumbar and leg weakness, lumbar pain, sciatica, hemiplegia, and weakness of the feet. (1) Lumbar, back, and lower limb disorders: Stiff painful neck, lumbar and back pain, acute lumbar sprain, sciatica, ankle sprain, heel pain. (2) Acute vomiting and diarrhea: Heatstroke, abdominal pain, acute gastroenteritis. (3) Urinary disorders: Difficult urination, enuresis. (4) Skin disorders: Urticaria, hives, acne, furuncles, sores, carbuncles.
Precise Location
Located on the Bladder Meridian, at the center of the popliteal crease on the posterior knee.
Location Method
Sit upright with feet on the floor. Lightly hold the sides of the thighs with both hands, thumbs on top and four fingers below – place the index finger at the center of the popliteal crease; the point is where the index finger rests.
Massage Method
Press inward with the index finger pad – apply to both sides for 1–3 minutes each, or simultaneously. Therapeutic actions: Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, activates blood and resolves stasis, clears heat and removes toxins.
Compatibility
Lumbosacral pain: Combine with Chengfu (BL-36). Disease overview: Lumbosacral pain refers to pain on one or both sides of the lumbar region. In women, due to menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation, as well as associated gynecological conditions, lumbosacral pain is common – over 80% of women of childbearing age experience lumbar pain, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum, often considered physiological without special treatment. Massage sequence: First press Chengfu (at the midpoint of the gluteal fold) with the middle finger pad – apply greater force due to thick gluteal fat; then knead Weizhong for 3 minutes. Sores and carbuncles: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Weizhong (BL-40), and Shenzhu (GV-12). Lower limb bi-pain: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yinmen (BL-37), Weizhong (BL-40), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Kunlun (BL-60). Hemorrhoids and hematochezia: Combine with Chengshan (BL-57). Vomiting and diarrhea: Combine with Quze (PC-3), Jinjin (EX-HN12), and Yuye (EX-HN13). Acute lumbar sprain: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26) and Houxi (SI-3). Acute mastitis: Combine with Tianzong (SI-11). Furuncles and carbuncles: Combine with Quchi (LI-11) and Hegu (LI-4). Hemorrhoid pain: Combine with Feiyang (BL-58) and Chengfu (BL-36). Enuresis: Combine with Guanmen (ST-22) and Shenmen (HT-7). Epistaxis: Combine with Chengjiang (RN-24). Tendon tension with fever: Combine with Weiyang (BL-39). Eczema and furuncles: Combine with Quchi (LI-11) and Fengshi (GB-31).
Efficacy & Actions
Weizhong belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the He-Sea point where meridian qi enters, corresponding to the Earth element in the five-element theory. It is also the Lower He-Sea point of the Bladder and one of the Four General Points. It relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, activates blood and resolves stasis, clears heat and removes toxins. It is a commonly used key point in clinical practice, especially for lumbar and leg pain and flaccidity/bi-syndrome, and is one of the key points for bloodletting. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Wei" means to bend; "Zhong" means middle or center. Located at the center of the popliteal crease, in the middle of the flexed knee – hence the name Weizhong (Middle of the Crease). It is also known as "Xuexi," "Xizhong," and "Naozhong." Weizhong is one of the four major general points in TCM acupuncture and moxibustion, hence the ancient saying: "For lumbar and back disorders, seek Weizhong." The Youke Tiejing states: "During convulsions, if the body leans forward, press Weizhong downward and the body will straighten." Lumbar and leg weakness and soreness have become common afflictions of modern civilization – regular massage of Weizhong helps strengthen the lumbar and leg muscles and relieve pain. (1) Key Point for Lumbar and Back Pain and Lower Limb Flaccidity/Bi-Syndrome: As the He-Sea point of the Bladder Meridian – the Bladder Meridian runs from the head to the feet, along the entire lumbar and back region, with two branches converging at Weizhong – according to "where the meridian passes, there it treats," Weizhong treats lumbar, back, and leg pain. The Xihong Fu states: "Weizhong specifically treats lumbar pain." The Lingguang Fu states: "Five types of lumbar pain are relieved by Weizhong." The Ma Danyang Twelve Heavenly Star Points Song states: "Difficulty flexing and extending the knee – needling brings immediate comfort." Numerous ancient texts record its use for lumbar and back pain, including the Beiji Qianjin Yaofang, Waitai Miyao, Bronze Figure Manual, and Zhenjiu Daquan. The Suwen · Ci Yaotong states: "The Bladder Meridian causes lumbar pain that radiates to the neck, spine, and buttocks – needling Weizhong to bleed resolves it." This was followed by the classic summary "For lumbar and back disorders, seek Weizhong," which remains the core guidance for clinical practice. It can be treated with either filiform needling or bloodletting for pain along the Bladder Meridian pathway – neck, back, lumbar, sacral, popliteal, and ankle – with consistent efficacy. (2) Clears Heat and Removes Toxins: Bloodletting at Weizhong clears heat and removes toxins – effective for blood heat, various pain conditions, skin ulcers, and dermatological disorders. Clinically used for heatstroke, epistaxis, furuncles, carbuncles, acute tonsillitis, urticaria, herpes zoster, and erysipelas. (3) Urinary Disorders: As the Lower He-Sea point of the Bladder – the bladder stores fluids – it treats both urinary retention and enuresis. (4) Specific Point for Acute Gastroenteritis: It regulates gastrointestinal qi, descends rebellion, and stops diarrhea. As the He-Sea and Lower He-Sea point of the Bladder, "He treats internal organs" and "He treats rebellious qi and diarrhea." Needling Weizhong clears toxic heat from the blood, restores qi movement, and promotes rapid recovery – often combined with Quze (PC-3).
Contraindications
Reducing technique is commonly used, with bloodletting being the preferred method. Needling should avoid excessive force and depth to prevent injury to blood vessels and nerves. Use with caution or avoid in deficiency patterns. Bloodletting at this point is commonly employed. Moxibustion is permissible but rarely used.
