ACUPUNCTURE
Bao Huang: TCM Acupoint Guide
BAOHUANG
Name
Bao Huang (Baohuang)
Location
3 cun lateral to the midline at the level of the spinous process of the second sacral vertebra.
Needling
- Perpendicular insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun.
- Straight insertion, 1 to 2 cun.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.8 to 1.2 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Benefits the lumbar region
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
- Regulates the Lower Jiao
- Benefits urination
- Opens water passageways in the Lower Jiao
- Stimulates the transformation and excretion of fluids
Indications
- Pain and stiffness of the lumbar region
- Sciatica
- Hardness and fullness of the hypogastrium
- Retention of urine
- Abdominal distention
- Aversion to wind
- Anuria
- Edema
- Inability to urinate
- Inability to defecate
- Borborygmus
- Undigested food in the stool
- Abdominal pain
Notes
This is a commonly used point for stiffness and pain of the lumbar region and sciatica. This point should be palpated in all cases where pain radiates into the buttock and down the leg. This point controls the spread of qi in the Lower Jiao.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.
Did this article help you?
Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.
Keep readingRelated entries
Gong Sun: TCM Acupoint Guide
Gong Sun (Gongsun). On the medial side of the foot, in the depression distal and inferior to the base of the first metatarsal bone, at the junction of the.
Ri Yue: TCM Acupoint Guide
Ri Yue (Riyue). Directly below the nipple, in the seventh intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the mammillary line, one rib below.
Jing Men: TCM Acupoint Guide
Jing Men (Jingmen) is just below the twelfth rib. Caution: in thin patients, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Front-Mu point of the.
Qi Men: TCM Acupoint Guide
Qi Men (Qimen). On the mammillary line in the sixth intercostal space, 3.5 cun lateral to REN-14 Juque, 6 cun above the umbilicus. Actions: Facilitates the.
Something this article did not cover?
Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.
Ask a question →