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BL-31 Shangliao (上髎) — Upper Crevice
Depth
00.5–1 cun3.0
Perpendicular insertion
Precautions
High sensitivity when the nerve root is reached.
Location (classical)
On the sacrum, in the first posterior sacral foramen (midpoint between the posterior superior iliac spine and the posterior midline).
How to find it (practical)
In ventral decubitus, the examiner places the tip of the index finger at the midpoint between Xiao Chang Shu (BL-27) and the posterior midline, and the little finger on the ipsilateral sacral cornu (the sacral cornua are rounded processes resembling small soybeans and represent the posterior articular processes of the fifth sacral vertebra). Rest the middle and ring fingers equidistantly between the index and little fingers. In this manner, Shang Liao (BL-31) lies at the tip of the index finger, Ci Liao (BL-32) at the tip of the middle finger, Zhong Liao (BL-33) at the tip of the ring finger, and Xia Liao (BL-34) at the tip of the little finger.
Anatomy
Gluteus maximus and erector spinae muscles. The first sacral nerve root lies within the foramen.
Needling
Perpendicular insertion directly into the foramen, 0.5–1.0 cun.
Etymology
Shang (上), upper; Liao (髎), foramen. Located in the first sacral foramen.
CLASSICAL SOURCESu Wen
Clinical Relations
Adjacent Points on the Meridian