A meeting point of the two great branches of the Bladder Meridian (BL). Heyang (BL-55) gathers and regulates the channel's Qi and Blood (Xue), relieves pain in the lower back and legs, and quiets uterine bleeding — a focused, reliable point on the back of the calf.
Contraindications
Heyang (BL-55) is a safe point with no special contraindications. Observe standard needling depth and clean technique.
Name & story
The name 合阳 Heyang means "Joining of Yang" — and this is exactly what happens here. At the back of the knee, just below Weizhong (BL-40), the two branches of the Bladder Meridian (BL) — the inner and the outer lines that have run separately down the back — come together again and continue as one. This point marks that reunion, that moment of gathering. "He" means to join or meet; "Yang" reminds us that the Bladder channel is a great Yang channel. The name quietly tells you the whole story of the point.
Point family & character
Heyang (BL-55) belongs to the Bladder Meridian (BL). It is the point where the two branches of the channel converge below the popliteal crease.
Five-element dynamics
The Bladder Meridian (BL) is the great Tai Yang — the outermost and most expansive Yang channel, governing the body's surface and back. Where its two parallel lines reunite at BL-55, the channel's full Yang force is gathered again into a single stream. This convergence gives the point a special ability to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood (Xue) through the whole lower limb and the lumbar region — bringing together what was divided, and moving what has become stagnant.
Location
Find the midpoint of the popliteal crease at the back of the knee — that is Weizhong (BL-40). Measure 2 Cun straight down from there, in the groove between the two bellies of the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle. That depression is Heyang (BL-55).
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies in the posterior compartment of the lower leg, between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly, straight into the point.
Safe depth
Safe depth — 1–1.5 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Massage and acupressure on the point can be helpful for calf tension and local pain. Moxa may be used to warm the channel and dispel Cold when there is cramping or coldness in the lower limb.
Functions
Regulates and invigorates Qi and Blood (Xue) in the Bladder Meridian (BL). Relaxes the sinews and relieves pain in the lower back and leg. Stops uterine bleeding. Dispels Cold and Dampness from the lower limb.
Indications
Lower back pain radiating into the leg; pain, heaviness or cramping in the calf and posterior thigh; weakness or numbness in the lower limbs. Uterine bleeding (metrorrhagia). Disorders of the genitals. Local channel pain along the Bladder Meridian (BL) in the leg.
Point combinations
With Weizhong (BL-40) — to strengthen the effect on the lower back and the posterior channel. With Chengshan (BL-57) — for calf cramps, pain and tension in the lower leg.
Clinical spotlight
What makes Heyang (BL-55) distinctive is its anatomical and channel significance: it is the precise point where the two branches of the longest Yang channel in the body reconverge. Clinically, this gives it a particular usefulness in conditions where the flow through the Bladder Meridian (BL) is disrupted in the lower limb — pain, stiffness, numbness — and especially in uterine bleeding, a less expected indication for a leg point that reflects the channel's deep internal pathway.
The golden tip
To ease tension or aching in the back of the calf, sit comfortably and bend the knee slightly. Place your thumbs in the groove between the two calf muscle bellies, about 2 Cun below the back of the knee, and apply firm, steady pressure for 1–2 minutes on each leg. This can help relieve tightness and improve circulation in the lower leg after long periods of standing or walking.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.