Jingming BL-1 location
BL-1

Jingming BL-1

Bright Eyes · 睛明 · Jīng Míng
Bladder Meridian
Entry Point

Safety Warnings

  • Dangerous point - requires extra caution
  • Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
  • Moxibustion contraindicated

Needle Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Body Area

Face — Periorbital

Location

0.1 cun superior and medial to the inner canthus.

Next on channel

Zanzhu BL-2

Main Actions

  • Expels Wind
  • Clears Heat
  • Benefits the eyes

Commentary

Jingming BL-1 is a very important and dynamic local point for various eye disorders, just as its name (Bright Eye) indicates. In fact, it is able to treat any eye diseases regardless being Exterior or Interior causes. 

First of all, it expels Exterior Wind from the eyes. Typical manifestations include lacrimation on exposure to wind, aversion to cold, fever or headache.  

It also clears Heat from the eyes as it is the meeting point of all Yang Channels apart from the Large Intestine one. Typical symptoms include redness, swelling and pain of the eyes as well as redness and itching of the inner corner of the eyes. 

On the other hand, it treats eye disorders due to Interior disharmony as well. For example, when there is insufficient clear Yang rising to the eyes, the patients suffer from symptoms such as blurred vision, diminished night vision and myopia. 

Classical Sources

Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded the point name as Jingming. Describes it as a meeting point of multiple channels at the inner canthus.

Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (备急千金要方 - Essential Formulas for Emergencies Worth a Thousand Gold): Sun Simiao recorded this point as "Jingming" (精明) with alternative characters meaning "essence and brightness," emphasizing its connection to vision and the eyes receiving essence from the organs.

Suwen (素问 - Basic Questions): States that all the Qi and essence of the five Zang and six Fu organs ascend to the eyes, and the eyes are the orifice of the Liver. The location of BL-1 is where multiple channels converge to nourish the eyes.

Lingshu Chapter 80: Discusses how the Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao meet at the eyes, regulating the opening and closing of the eyes, and thus affecting sleep and wakefulness.

How to Locate

The patient should close the eye for the point's location. Jingming BL-1 is located in a small depression near the inner canthus of the eye, superior to the insertion of the upper eyelid. It is also bordered by the bony root of the nose. Zanzhu BL-2 is directly above BL-1 in a depression at the medial end of the eyebrow.

Caution

This is a high-risk point requiring advanced training and extreme caution: 1. NEVER apply vigorous manipulation techniques (lifting, thrusting, rotating) - use slow, gentle insertion only 2. Always push the eyeball laterally before insertion and needle along the orbital wall to avoid the eyeball 3. Do not exceed 0.5 cun depth to avoid damaging blood vessels; anatomical studies show the anterior ethmoidal artery averages 18mm from the surface 4. Press firmly with sterile cotton for 1-2 minutes after withdrawal to prevent orbital hematoma 5. Contraindicated in patients on anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) or with bleeding disorders 6. If resistance is felt, do not advance the needle 7. Watch for signs of orbital hemorrhage: swelling, bruising around eye, inability to open eye 8. Moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and bloodletting are absolutely contraindicated at this point

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Depth Category

Medium

Standard Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needling Directions

0.3–0.5 cun obliquely from lateral to medial or transversely in the direction of the disorder. Caution: Branches of the frontal nerve, facial nerve, blood vessels!

Expected Deqi Sensation

Localized distention and soreness around the eye. Some patients experience a sensation of coolness or tearing (lacrimation). Strong stimulation may produce a radiating sensation around the orbit. Due to the sensitive location, deqi sensation is usually mild and lifting/thrusting manipulation should be avoided.

Moxibustion

Contraindicated

Duration: N/A - Moxibustion contraindicated

Cupping

Contraindicated

Bloodletting

Contraindicated

Gua Sha

Contraindicated

Special Point Classifications

Entry Point

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