Translating "胞肓", acupuncture point BL-53
The reasoning for translating "胞肓" as "Womb Breathing" from Chinese into English. This is the original name of acupuncture point BL-53 (Bladder 53).
Explanation of the point name
A choice must be made whether 胞 means either 'womb' or 'bladder', here.
When meaning 'bladder', 胞 is the alternative form of 脬 (according to Wiktionary). Why not use the character 脬, then? BL-28 is called 膀胱兪 Bladder Increase. In that point name, the character 胞 isn't used, and why would something different be there in the name of BL-53 as in BL-28? So, the meaning 'bladder' for 胞 doesn't make sense. We use 'womb.'
This point makes a person deep breathly, in a way that in the Western world is usually called "belly breathing.' One could also call that 'womb breathing,' as the direction of movement is the same. In fact, this term is used for a breathing exercise for women.
1st character
No other point names with this character.
2nd character
Meaning
This is usually translated with something like "vital region," which is supposed to be the space between the heart and the diaphragm. It is at the bottom center of the lungs. At this location, feelings about breathing can be felt, lik the movement of the breath, and feelings of suffocation or hyperventilation.
In fact, there is nothing wrong with simply translating 肓 with "breathing." All four points with this character in their name affect breathing.
Point names with 肓
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
| BL-43 | 膏肓 | Heavy Breathing |
| BL-51 | 肓門 | Breathing Gate |
| BL-53 | 胞肓 | Womb Breathing |
| KI-16 | 肓兪 | Breathing Increase |
Nearby points
Sometimes the names of consecutive points on a meridian are related. Being aware of nearby points can help to translate consistently in such a situation.
| BL-50 | 胃倉 | Stomach Granary |
| BL-51 | 肓門 | Breathing Gate |
| BL-52 | 志室 | Chamber of Will |
| BL-53 | 胞肓 | Womb Breathing |
| BL-54 | 秩邊 | Edge of the Sides |
| BL-55 | 合陽 | Junction of Yang |
| BL-56 | 承筋 | Supporting Muscles |