Bladder 31 (BL 31) Shang Liao — Upper Bone-Hole

This is the first of the eight liao (sacral foramina) points. It benefits the lower burner, regulates menstruation and urination and strengthens the lumbosacral region.

Bladder 31 (BL 31) Shang Liao 上髎 — Upper Bone-Hole

Location

On the sacrum, in the first posterior sacral foramen (S1), between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline.

Anatomy

Over the first posterior sacral foramen; the lateral sacral artery; the dorsal ramus of the first sacral nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Benefits the lower burner and the genitals
  • Regulates menstruation and urination
  • Strengthens the lumbosacral region

Indications

Irregular menstruation, abnormal vaginal discharge, difficult urination, lumbosacral pain, and (in labour) to promote contractions.

Needling

1.0-1.5 cun, perpendicular insertion into the foramen.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-32 and REN-4 for gynaecological disorders.

Classical Text References

One of the eight liao points of the sacrum.

Cautions & Contraindications

Caution in pregnancy except at term.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.