Overview of the efficacy and function of Bulang Point

Bulang point is an important acupoint on the Kidney meridian of Foot Shaoyin, located in the fifth intercostal space of the chest, 2 inches from the front midline. Its main functions includeRegulate cardiopulmonary function, relieve chest tightness and shortness of breath, improve cough and asthma, while assisting in the treatment of breast disease and intercostal neuralgia. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that stimulating the Bulang point can dredge the meridians and balance Qi and blood. It is especially suitable for chest and rib discomfort caused by emotional stagnation or Qi stagnation and blood stasis. In modern clinical practice, this acupoint is often used in conjunction with Tanzhong, Neiguan, etc. to enhance the curative effect. The following will explain the positioning, indications, operating methods and precautions.

The specific positioning and main symptoms of Bulang point

The precise positioning of Bulang Point is atFifth intercostal space, 2 inches lateral to the midclavicular line(about two finger widths), one hole on each side. The main treatment scope covers three types of symptoms: First,respiratory problems, such as chest tightness caused by chronic bronchitis and asthma; the second iscardiovascular discomfort, such as palpitations and angina pectoris; the third islocal pain, such as costochondritis or breast hyperplasia caused by swelling and pain. According to the "Acupuncture and Moxibustion Jia and B Jing" records, this point can "control the fullness of the chest and hypochondrium branches and the upward flow of Qi when coughing". The "Acupuncture Dacheng" by Yang Jizhou, a physician in the Ming Dynasty, further supplemented its effectiveness in "treating coughs and asthma and inability to lie down".

Operation methods and compatible acupoints for stimulating Bulang point

Stimulating the Bulang point can be usedAcupressure, moxibustion or acupunctureThree ways. In daily health care, use the pulp of your thumb to massage clockwise for 3-5 minutes, with a gentle soreness and swelling. When moxibustion, the distance from the skin should be 2-3 cm, and the moxibustion should be done for 10 minutes until the local area flushes. Common combination of clinical acupuncture and moxibustionTanzhong point (widens the chest and regulates qi), Taiyuan point (replenishes lung qi), forming a synergistic effect. For example, a 2020 study by a team from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture at Bulong point combined with Tanzhong point can significantly improve the lung function indicators of COPD patients (FEV1 increased by 12% on average).

Precautions and taboos when using Bulang point

There are three taboos to note when operating: First,Not allowed for pregnant women, to avoid stimulation that triggers uterine contractions; the second isPeople with severe osteoporosis should use acupuncture with caution, to prevent pneumothorax; thirdly,Moxibustion is prohibited on damaged skin areas. It is recommended to proceed under the guidance of a professional physician, especially for patients with acute heart attacks. There are few related products on the market, but some acupuncture equipment brands such as"Huatuo Brand"(Origin: Suzhou) filiform needles can be used for acupuncture treatment of this acupoint.

Summary and scientific basis

As the intersection point of the kidney meridian and the chest, the Bulang point has the dual value of regulating both local and whole body. Its efficacy is supported by traditional medical theory. For example, the "Huangdi Neijing" mentions that "the kidney meridian penetrates the diaphragm and enters the lungs", and modern research has also confirmed its regulatory effect on the autonomic nervous system (see the 2018 clinical controlled trial in "Chinese Acupuncture"). Daily application needs to be combined with physical syndrome differentiation to avoid excessive stimulation. There are currently no commercial products specifically targeting this acupoint, and traditional acupuncture is still the main treatment.