Bladder Meridian
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BL-3
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Forehead
Location
Vertically above the medial extremity of the eyebrow and medial canthus of the eye, 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, between Shenting DU-24 and Quchai BL-4.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind-Heat and eases pain
- Benefits the eyes and nose
Indications
Commentary
Meichong BL-3 is not a major point of the Bladder Channel.
It is mainly used to expel Wind-Heat so as to ease pain, mainly on the eyes and nose.
Classical Sources
《脉经》(Mài Jīng / Pulse Classic): First recorded the point Meichong as part of the Bladder channel.
《针灸甲乙经》(Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng / Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Describes the point location and its indications for head and eye disorders.
Name interpretation: 眉 (Méi) means eyebrow, referring to the dark color of the eyebrow hair, indicating the cold, damp quality of qi at this point. 冲 (Chōng) means to rush upward. The name indicates that Bladder channel qi absorbs heat here and rushes upward.
How to Locate
First identify Jingming BL-1 which is 0.1 cun superior to the inner canthus. Then locate Zanzhu BL-2 directly above BL-1 in a depression at the medial end of the eyebrow. This point is generally pressure-sensitive. Finally locate Meichong BL-3 vertically above BL-2 and 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline.
Caution
Moxibustion is contraindicated at this point according to classical sources. Being located on the scalp just within the anterior hairline, use transverse (subcutaneous) needling only - do not needle perpendicularly. The area contains the frontal artery and vein, so apply gentle pressure after needle withdrawal to prevent hematoma. This point is generally pressure-sensitive.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely in a dorsal direction or transversely.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or numbness spreading across the forehead. Due to the thin scalp tissue, the sensation may be mild. Some practitioners report a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the frontal region.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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