[Objective]More accurate data on the positional relationship between the acupuncture points belonging to the bladder meridian on the posterior aspect of the lower limb and their surrounding structures are discussed to get the effective methods for acupuncture.
[Methods]Detailed dissections on the surrounding anatomical structures of the acupuncture points were performed on three cadavers of the Unit of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
[Results] 1. BL36 (Chengfu (Chinese), Shofu (Japanese)) and BL37 (Yinmen, Inmon) were situated medial to the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and the sciatic nerve.
2. BL38 (Fuxi, Fugeki) and BL39 (Weiyang, Iyo) were situated on or near the common peroneal nerve along the media border of the biceps femoris tendon.
3. BL40 (Weizhong, Ichu), BL55 (Heyang, Goyo), BL56 (Chengjin, Shokin), BL57 (Chengshan, Shozan), BL58 (Feiyang, Hiyo), BL59 (Fuyang, Fuyo), BL60 (Kunlun, Konron), BL61 (Pucan, Bokushin) and BL62 (Shenmai, Shinmyaku) were situated along the medial sural cutaneous nerve, sural nerve and small saphenous vein.
4. BL40, BL55, BL56, BL57 were situated along the tibial nerve, the popliteal and posterior tibial arteries deep to the soleus.
[Conclusion] 1. The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and the sciatic nerve tend to run laterally to BL36 and BL37, so it is necessary to apply the acupunctural treatment lateral to BL36 and BL37 to stimulate these two nerves.
2. The sural nerve and small saphenous vein gradually tend to approach the acupuncture points toward the distal part of the posterior aspect of the leg.
3. BL40, BL55, BL56 and BL57 are shown as the acupuncture stimulation points to the tibial nerve passing the deep part of the posterior aspect of the leg.