Muchuang Point (GB-16 / Eye Window, also known as Zhiying)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Muchuang (GB-16 / Eye Window). Learn its benefits for myopia, hyperopia, infantile convulsions, and headache – the meeting point of Gallbladder and Yang Wei – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Hyperopia (blurred distance vision), myopia, infantile convulsions, headache (migraine, frontal headache), vertigo, eye pain, optic atrophy, head and facial swelling, and upper tooth decay with swollen gums.
Precise Location
On the head, 1.5 cun above the anterior hairline, 2.5 cun lateral to the midline (Shenting, GV-24).
Location Method
Sit at a table with the head slightly bent down, elbows on the table, palms facing inward – the point is where the middle finger rests when the little finger is flat against the hairline. (Standard location: 1.5 cun above the anterior hairline, 2.5 cun lateral to the midline.)
Massage Method
Lightly press with the index and middle fingers – apply once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes on each side (or simultaneously). Therapeutic actions: Brightens the eyes and opens the orifices, supplements qi and strengthens yang, dispels wind and clears heat, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Facial edema: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Ermen (TE-21), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Muchuang (GB-16). Disease overview: In mild cases, bilateral eyelid edema appears first; as the condition worsens, ptosis develops with narrowing of the palpebral fissure. Pressing the forehead skin or pinching the eyelid skin leaves indentations or wrinkles, indicating the presence of edema. Massage sequence: Form a V-shape with the thumb and index finger behind the ears to massage Tinggong and Ermen for 1 minute; cover the face with both palms and move the fingers toward Taiyang until the middle fingers touch Muchuang – repeat 10 times; finally pull the skin upward on the cheeks while visualizing "lifting up." Red painful eyes: Combine with Taiyang (EX-HN5), Chengqi (ST-1), and Muchuang (GB-16). Infantile convulsions: Combine with Luxi (TE-19), Zhigou (TE-6), and Muchuang (GB-16). Headache and dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Taichong (LR-3). Myopia and hyperopia: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Chengqi (ST-1), and Guangming (GB-37).
Efficacy & Actions
Ancient medical texts record that this point treats headache, vertigo, eye pain, blurred distance vision, optic atrophy, head and facial swelling, and upper tooth decay with swelling. In modern TCM clinical practice, this point is often used to treat myopia. Students with myopia can benefit greatly from regular massage of this point for vision health. Additionally, regular pressing of this point relieves eye fatigue and soreness, keeping the eyes bright and spirited. This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang Wei Vessel. It brightens the eyes and opens the orifices, supplements qi and strengthens yang, dispels wind and clears heat, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating eye and head-facial disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Mu" refers to the eyes; "Chuang" means window or opening. Located on the head, this point treats eye disorders and serves as a window for the eyes – hence the name Muchuang (Eye Window). It is also known as "Zhiying."
