Shangliao

1. 01Located over the first posterior sacral foramen.
2. 02On the sacrum, midway between the posterior superior iliac spine and the posterior midline, right at the first posterior sacral foramen.

1. 01Insert perpendicularly, 0.5 to 1 cun deep.
2. 02Pass the needle 1.5 to 2 cun through the foramen; entering the foramen is easier with a slight medial-inferior angle.
3. 03Needle perpendicularly, 0.8 to 1.2 cun deep.
4. 04Moxibustion may be used.
5. 05Insert straight, 1 to 2 cun deep, producing distention and soreness in the sacral area that can spread to the legs. Note: the fingers can help locate the foramen the needle enters; if it cannot be located, pull the needle back slightly and re-angle it.

Meeting point with the Gall Bladder channel

• ·Harmonizes the Lower Jiao
• ·Benefits the lower back and legs
• ·Regulates Lower Jiao function
• ·Tonifies the Kidneys

• ·Difficulty urinating
• ·Difficulty urinating caused by infection
• ·Dysuria
• ·Difficulty with defecation
• ·Vomiting
• ·Epistaxis
• ·Chills and fever from malaria
• ·Lumbar pain
• ·Cold sensation and pain in the back and knees
• ·Impotence
• ·Orchitis
• ·Prostatitis
• ·Weak, painful knees
• ·Spermatorrhea
• ·Urinary retention
• ·Numbness of the lower back and foot
• ·Paralysis of the lower limb
• ·Lower back pain and stiffness
• ·Sciatica
• ·Difficult labor
• ·Delayed labor
• ·Irregular menses
• ·Dysmenorrhea
• ·Infertility
• ·Leukorrhea
• ·Continuous white leukorrhea
• ·Red-and-white leukorrhea
• ·Seminal emission
• ·Impotence
• ·Genital itching and pain
• ·Skin irritation of the genital area
• ·Uterine prolapse
• ·Ovarian pain and inflammation
• ·Inflammation of the uterus and vagina
• ·Peritonitis
• ·Diarrhea
• ·Constipation
• ·Anal fissures
• ·Hemorrhoids
• ·Vaginal prolapse
• ·Abnormal leukorrhea
• ·Sequelae of infantile paralysis

Some classical texts prohibit moxibustion at this point.

• ·UB-31 Shangliao, UB-32 Ciliao, UB-33 Zhongliao, and UB-34 Xialiao together form the Eight Crevices (Eight Seams), Baliao. As a group they regulate the urinary system (most strongly at UB-32 Ciliao, and to a lesser degree UB-33 Zhongliao), the Intestines (most broadly at UB-34 Xialiao), gynecological conditions (strongest at UB-34 Xialiao), and the movement of Qi and Blood through the local channels, collaterals, and lower limbs (strongest at UB-32 Ciliao and UB-33 Zhongliao).
• ·All four points tonify the Kidneys.
• ·They specifically address genital disorders.
• ·They tonify the body as a whole.
• ·These points are able to induce labor.