BL-23 Shenshu
BL-23 Shenshu (腎俞) is a point on the Bladder meridian. In TCM theory it is described as influencing the channel's qi, and it is traditionally used in the context of the whole pattern rather than as a stand-alone remedy. This page explains how to locate it, what the tradition says about it, and how to press it safely.
Location
On the lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of L2.
How to find it
Place the hands on the waist with the thumbs pointing back. The point is about two finger-widths beside the spine, roughly at the level of the navel-to-hip midpoint.
Traditional functions
- Back-shu point of the Kidney
- Tonifies kidney qi and essence
- Strengthens the lower back
Traditional uses
- Low-back fatigue and weakness in traditional terms
- Knee weakness
- Urinary patterns in the classical description
- Fatigue
How to press it
Lie prone and use the palms or thumbs for gentle, sustained pressure for 1–2 minutes. Warmth is often used with this point.
Acupressure is generally a gentle practice. Use the pad of the thumb or finger, start with light pressure, and increase only to a comfortable level. A mild ache or warmth is common; sharp pain is a signal to ease off.
Safety
Avoid strong pressure with osteoporosis, a kidney condition, or during pregnancy. Back pain with numbness, weakness, or bladder changes needs medical evaluation.
How this is viewed today
BL-23 is frequently used in acupuncture trials for low-back pain and fatigue. Reviews report modest short-term effects.
Sources & further reading
- Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經), c. 2nd century BCE.
- Nanjing (難經), c. 1st–2nd century CE.
- World Health Organization, Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature, 2nd ed., 1991.
- Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Acupuncture: What You Need To Know.
Related: Bladder meridian · Acupoint library · BL-40 Weizhong · KI-3 Taixi · GB-20 Fengchi · all twelve meridians