UB 38 Acupuncture Point Theory

UB 38 Acupuncture Point Applications and Theory

The acupuncture point "UB 38" , 浮郄, is represented by "Fu Xi" in pinyin and "Superficial Cleft" in english and may be found:

1 cun above UB 39 on the medial side of the tendon of biceps femoris (found with knee slightly bent).

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

Similar functions to the bladder points on the sacrum and leg in that it relieves pain and moves the triple warmer. Pain related issues such as pain and/or numbness in the buttocks, pain along the meridian in the thigh or outer thigh.
Draws heat from the lower warmer - small intestine heat, hard stools from heat in the large intestine.

A single acupuncture point is not commonly thought of as an empirical way to influence a TCM diagnostic pattern. UB38, however, is a strong candidate to be incorporated into an acupuncture protocol for patients who exhibit: Large Intestine Dryness

UB 38 may potentially be used, in coordination with a well designed acupuncture treatment protocol, to influence the following conditions: Bursitis, Constipation, Leg Pain and/or Sciatica

While not necessarily valid clinically, ST 34 (Lateral knee issues, swelling, pain, difficult mo…), UB 39 (Harmonize the triple warmer, damp heat conditions…) and UB 40 (As the Lumbar Command Point, useful for all lumba…) are nearby.