Zanzhu BL-2 location
BL-2

Zanzhu BL-2

Gathered Bamboo · 攒竹 · Zǎn Zhú
Bladder Meridian

Safety Warnings

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

Needle Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needle Angle

10-15° (Transverse), 45° (Oblique)

Body Area

Face — Periorbital, Face — Forehead

Location

On the medial extremity of the eyebrow, or on the supraorbital notch.

Previous on channel

Jingming BL-1

Next on channel

Meichong BL-3

Main Actions

  • Expels Wind-Heat from the face
  • Subdues Liver Yang Rising
  • Benefits the eyes

Commentary

Zanzhu BL-2 is a major point for eye disorders regardless being Exterior or Interior origins. 

Firstly, it removes Obstructions from the Channel on the face by expelling Exterior Wind-Heat. Therefore, it is able to treat many eye symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling and pain of the eye as well as twitching of eyelids. Other facial manifestations include epilepsy, excessive lacrimation, facial paralysis and tics as well as trigeminal neuralgia. 

As for the Interior disharmony of the eyes, the Liver plays an important role as it opens to the eyes. For example, Rebellious Liver Qi or Liver Yang Rising can causes persistent headaches behind or around the eyes, floaters in the eyes, red eyes, eyebrow pain or blurred vision. Zanzhu BL-2 is able to subdue this Excess disharmony. 

Classical Sources

Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 282 CE):
First recorded the point name Zanzhu and established its location at the medial end of the eyebrow. The text indicates indications for eye diseases, headache, and facial conditions.

Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1601):
"Treats blurred vision, visual impairment, tearing, dizziness, pupil itching, eye cloudiness, red painful eyes, and eyelid twitching with inability to sleep." Also notes the use of three-edged needle bloodletting to clear heat and brighten the eyes.

Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold, 652 CE):
Sun Simiao recorded Zanzhu for treating visual impairment and eye heat pain, and notably documented its use for hiccups (呃逆).

Suwen (Plain Questions):
Recommends needling 3 fen deep, retaining for 6 breaths, with 3 moxa cones—though later texts contraindicated moxibustion.

How to Locate

First identify Jingming BL-1 which is 0.1 cun superior to the inner canthus. Zanzhu BL-2 is directly above BL-1 in a depression at the medial end of the eyebrow. This point is generally pressure-sensitive.

Caution

Located near the orbital margin and close to the eye—never insert deeply or toward the eye. The supraorbital notch contains the supraorbital nerve and artery, so needling must be shallow and transverse (along the skin) rather than perpendicular. Classical texts strongly prohibit moxibustion at this point due to proximity to the eye. When using bloodletting technique, apply gentle pressure afterward to prevent bruising. Patients should keep eyes closed during needling.

Needle Angle

10-15° (Transverse) / 45° (Oblique)

Depth Category

Shallow

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

Distension and soreness at the point, often radiating around the eye socket or toward the forehead. Some patients may experience a mild aching sensation that spreads to the temple area. The point is typically tender to pressure even before needling.

Moxibustion

Contraindicated

Duration: N/A - Moxibustion is contraindicated at this point

Cupping

Contraindicated

Bloodletting

Recommended

Gua Sha

Contraindicated

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