Jingming Point (BL-1 / Eye Brightness, also known as Leikong, Leikong, Leiqiang, Jingming, Muneizi)
Dispels wind and clears heat, unblocks the collaterals and brightens the eyes. Based on its properties, this point is mainly used for treating eye disorders.
Indications
Acute and chronic conjunctivitis, astigmatism, pseudomyopia, cataracts, myopia, night blindness, and color blindness. (1) Eye disorders: Red, swollen and painful eyes, eye itching, pterygium, tearing, blurred vision, night blindness, optic atrophy, myopia, optic atrophy, electric ophthalmia. (2) Pain disorders: Sciatica, lateral ankle sprain, acute lumbar sprain. (3) Others: Tachycardia, hiccups, hysteria, headache, nasal congestion, etc.
Precise Location
Located on the Bladder Meridian, 0.1 cun lateral to the inner canthus, in the depression beside the bridge of the nose.
Location Method
Sit upright with eyes gently closed. Cross the fingers of both hands with the eight fingertips pointing upward, place the thumbs at the midpoint between the bridge of the nose and the inner canthus – the point is where the thumb tips rest.
Massage Method
Gently pinch with the thumb tips and lightly scrape back and forth on the bone – apply to both sides simultaneously or separately for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and brightens the eyes, dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Mild cataracts: Combine with Yintang (EX-HN3), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Sibai (ST-2), Jingming (BL-1), and Fengchi (GB-20). Disease overview: Blurred vision, possibly with photophobia, objects appearing darker or yellowish, or even double vision and distortion. Massage sequence: Rub the eyebrows with both middle fingers 5–8 times; rub hands together rapidly until warm, cover the eyes for 4–5 repetitions; bend the thumbs and lightly rub the upper eyelids 10–20 times with the knuckles; pinch Yintang between the eyebrows; finally massage Taiyang, Sibai, Jingming, and Fengchi for 1 minute each. Red and swollen eyes: Combine with Taiyang (EX-HN5), Chengqi (ST-1), and Jingming (BL-1). Myopia: Combine with Chengqi (ST-1) and Jingming (BL-1). Optic atrophy: Combine with Qiuhou (EX-HN7). Corneal opacity: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Sibai (ST-2). Night blindness: Combine with Xingjian (LR-2). Red, swollen and itchy eyes: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Fengchi (GB-20). Exotropia: Combine with Tongziliao (GB-1). Esotropia: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Taichong (LR-3). Color blindness: Combine with Yanglao (SI-6). Night blindness: Combine with Ganshu (BL-18) and Shenshu (BL-23). Astigmatism, myopia, night blindness: Combine with Guangming (GB-37) and Ganshu (BL-18). Glaucoma: Combine with Qiuhou (EX-HN7), Fengchi (GB-20), and Taichong (LR-3).
Efficacy & Actions
Jingming belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Hand and Foot Taiyang meridians, the Foot Yangming Meridian, the Yin Qiao Vessel, and the Yang Qiao Vessel. It dispels wind and clears heat, unblocks the collaterals and brightens the eyes. It is a commonly used primary key point for treating eye disorders – it can treat all eye diseases. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Jing” refers to the eye; “Ming” means brightness and clarity. Located at the inner canthus, it treats all eye disorders and brightens vision – hence the name Jingming (Eye Brightness). It is also known as “Leikong,” “Leikong,” “Leiqiang,” “Jingming,” and “Muneizi.” According to the Shuxue Xue, this point treats many eye conditions. It is effective for presbyopia in the elderly, mild myopia, and can also alleviate moderate to severe myopia. When experiencing poor vision, a foggy sensation before the eyes, photophobia, tearing in wind, eye soreness, or red and swollen eyes, regular massage of this point can bring improvement. (1) Key and Primary Point for Eye Disorders: Located at the eye, according to “where the point is located, there it treats,” it is suitable for both acute and chronic eye disorders – a specific point for eye diseases in both ancient and modern practice. The Great Compendium states: “Jingming treats blurred distant vision, photophobia with tearing... infantile malnutrition-related eye disorders, and adult qi-related eye conditions with cold tears.” The Baizheng Fu states: “For night blindness due to liver qi, carefully examine Jingming and Xingjian.” The Yulong Ge states: “Red and swollen eyes with difficult pain, photophobia and anxiety – needling Jingming and Yuyao with bloodletting at Taiyang resolves it naturally.” A case from Wei Zhixiu’s Xu Mingyi Leian: Mrs. Tao, mother of Ni Xinxi, lost her sight from crying 11 years ago after losing her child. One day, a visitor claimed he could cure her blindness – he needled Jingming and Tongziliao, and she immediately regained her sight, becoming a celebrated case. Modern clinical reports of Jingming for eye disorders are even more extensive. A case example: Ms. Chen, 48, with progressive blurred vision unresponsive to 7 years of treatment – a membrane grew over both pupils, leaving only light perception, requiring assistance to walk. Diagnosed with cataracts – using Jingming as the main point combined with Hegu, Fengchi, Zusanli, Guangming, and others – after over 10 days, the white membranes completely resolved, the pupils cleared, and vision was restored with no recurrence on follow-up. Jingming’s efficacy for eye disorders is beyond doubt – it is the first choice for all eye conditions. (2) Effective Point for Acute Lumbar Sprain: The Bladder Meridian circulates in the lumbar region – according to “where the meridian passes, there it treats” – it treats lumbar pain. The Lingshu · Jingmai records: “The Bladder Meridian treats sinew-related disorders” – thus needling Jingming can treat lumbar pain, especially acute lumbar sprain with specific effects. (3) Other Therapeutic Effects: Jingming is also effective for tachycardia, hysteria, hiccups, sciatica of the Bladder Meridian type, and lateral ankle sprains – selectable based on the condition.
Contraindications
During needling, the practitioner should gently push the eyeball laterally with one hand to stabilize it, while the other hand slowly inserts the needle close to the orbital rim. Do not force insertion if resistance is encountered. No twisting or lifting-thrusting should be performed. After withdrawal, press the needle hole for 2–3 minutes to prevent bleeding. Moxibustion is contraindicated.
