Bladder 39 (BL 39) Wei Yang — Outside the Crook

This is the Lower He-Sea point of the San Jiao (Triple Burner). It regulates the Triple Burner and water passages, benefits the bladder and relieves stiffness of the lumbar region.

Bladder 39 (BL 39) Wei Yang 委陽 — Outside the Crook

Location

At the back of the knee, on the lateral end of the popliteal crease, on the medial border of the biceps femoris tendon.

Anatomy

Medial to the biceps femoris tendon; the superior lateral genicular artery; the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and the common peroneal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Regulates the Triple Burner and the water passages (Lower He-Sea of the San Jiao)
  • Benefits the bladder and promotes urination
  • Relieves stiffness of the lumbar region

Indications

Difficult urination and retention of urine, oedema, abdominal fullness, and lumbar stiffness and pain.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-22 and REN-3 for urinary disorders and oedema.

Classical Text References

The Lower He-Sea point of the San Jiao.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

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.