Bladder Meridian
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BL-7
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Vertex
Location
1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 4 cun within the anterior hairline.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind and subdues Liver Yang
- Benefits the nose
Indications
Commentary
Tongtian BL-7 is a major point and it mainly used to expel Interior Wind from the Head. It is especially indicated for severeheadache due to Liver Yang Rising, Liver Wind or Liver Blood Stagnation. Other typical symptoms include deviation of eye and mouth, stiff neck, feeling of head heaviness or even loss of consciousness.
Furthermore, this point also benefits the nose.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經, c. 282 AD): The point first appears in this classical text by Huangfu Mi, where it is described for treating nasal disorders, headache, and head heaviness.
Name Meaning: 'Tong' (通) means reaching or connecting, and 'Tian' (天) means heaven. The upper part of the head is likened to heaven, and this point connects upward to the vertex, allowing the Bladder channel Qi to ascend to the 'heavenly' region of the head.
Alternative Name - Tianjiu (天臼): 'Tian' means heaven, 'Jiu' refers to a stone mortar used for grinding grain, symbolizing the kidney (water) and its moistening descending nature. This name indicates that while the point sends Qi upward, it also brings cooling moisture to the upper region.
How to Locate
First identify Baihui DU-20 at the vertex, which is at the junction of the anterior midline and a line connecting the ear apices. Baihui DU-20 is 5 cun superior to the anterior hairline, while Tongtian BL-7 is 1 cun anterior to DU-20 and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Caution
According to many classical and contemporary texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion. Being located on the scalp over the skull, only transverse (subcutaneous) insertion should be used. Avoid perpendicular needling. The thin subcutaneous tissue of the scalp means there is limited depth available for safe needling.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Transversely 0.5–1 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or numbness around the scalp at the point location. Sensation may spread across the vertex or toward the forehead. Due to the transverse insertion through the galea aponeurotica (scalp aponeurosis), a characteristic tight or grabbing sensation may be felt as the needle engages the tissue.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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