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Weizhong (BL-40), “Bend Middle”, in the centre of the popliteal crease, is the He-Sea and Earth point of the Bladder channel and the Command point of the back. It is the principal distal point for low back pain, clears heat and cools the blood, and benefits the knee.
Location
At the back of the knee, at the midpoint of the popliteal crease, between the tendons of biceps femoris and semitendinosus.
Anatomy
In the centre of the popliteal fossa; the popliteal artery and vein; the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and the tibial nerve.
Actions & Functions
- Relieves lower back pain (Command point of the back)
- Clears heat, cools the blood and resolves damp-heat
- Benefits the knee and relaxes the sinews
Indications
Acute and chronic lower back pain, sciatica, knee pain and stiffness, heat-stroke, skin diseases (often bled), and vomiting and diarrhoea.
Needling
0.5-1.0 cun perpendicular; or prick the popliteal vein to bleed for acute lumbar pain or skin/heat conditions.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion, though often needled or bled.
Point Combinations
With BL-23 and BL-25 for lumbar pain; bled with SP-10 and LI-11 for skin disorders.
Classical Text References
The He-Sea (Earth) point of the Bladder and the Command point of the back (‘for the back, seek Weizhong’).
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid puncturing the popliteal artery; needle the centre carefully or bleed the superficial vein only.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.