Bladder 56 (BL 56) Cheng Jin — Sinew Support

This point, on the calf, relaxes the sinews, relieves cramp and benefits the lower back and anus.

Bladder 56 (BL 56) Cheng Jin 承筋 — Sinew Support

Location

On the back of the lower leg, in the centre of the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle, midway between BL-55 and BL-57.

Anatomy

In the gastrocnemius; the posterior tibial artery; the medial sural cutaneous nerve and the tibial nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Relaxes the sinews and relieves cramp
  • Benefits the lower back and treats haemorrhoids

Indications

Cramp and pain of the calf, lower back pain, and haemorrhoids.

Needling

1.0-1.5 cun, perpendicular insertion (can be sensitive).

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-57 for calf cramp and haemorrhoids.

Classical Text References

A local point of the Bladder channel on the calf.

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.

Check Also

PubMed research

Acupuncture Identified as a Key Neuromuscular Intervention for Post-Stroke Swallowing Difficulties

Research summary (Acupuncture): Neuromuscular-related interventions for post-stroke dysphagia: a comprehensive narrative review. - Frontiers in neuroscience, 2026.