Acupuncture point Bladder 60, also known as Kunlun, is located on the ankle, between the prominence of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon. This point is commonly used in acupuncture for the treatment of various conditions. Here are some examples of the therapeutic use of Bladder 60 in acupuncture.
1. Pain relief: Bladder 60 is commonly used in acupuncture for the relief of pain. Several studies have shown that acupuncture at this point can reduce pain intensity and improve function in patients with conditions such as low back pain, plantar fasciitis, and postoperative pain. (1, 2, 3)
2. Stress and anxiety: Acupuncture at Bladder 60 has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture at this point was effective in reducing anxiety levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (4)
3. Insomnia: Bladder 60 is also commonly used in acupuncture for the treatment of insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture at this point was effective in improving sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia. (5)
4. Digestive disorders: Acupuncture at Bladder 60 has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various digestive disorders, including constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture at this point was effective in improving bowel function in patients with functional constipation. (6)
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Care should be taken when applying acupressure with Bladder 60.
DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.
It is often used in the first stage of labour due to its descending action. It should only be stimulated by a licensed acupuncturist for this reason.
References:
1. Chen J, Chen X, Chen L, et al. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain Res Manag. 2019;2019:4921729.
2. Park JW, Park JH, Kim YC, et al. Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(2):e9562.
3. Hsu YC, Tseng CT, Chou CC, et al. Effect of acupuncture at BL60 on postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(4):276-282.
4. Li Y, Li W, Liang Y, et al. Acupuncture for anxiety-like behavior in rats induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia: effects and possible mechanisms. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2019;12(2):43-49.
5. Liu L, Huang QM, Yang Y, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies for the treatment of insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2016;36(6):685-696.
6. Cheng C, Liu Z, Guo Y, et al. Acupuncture for functional constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:6664799.
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