Indications

Headache and dizziness, red painful eyes, tearing in wind (epiphora), tinnitus and deafness, stroke with coma, nasal congestion, and infantile convulsions.

Precise Location

On the head, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline, directly above the pupil. Sit upright with the eyes looking straight ahead – the point is 0.5 cun above the hairline directly above the pupil.

Location Method

Sit upright or lie supine with the eyes looking straight ahead. From the midpoint of the anterior hairline (Shenting, GV-24), locate the point directly above the pupil, 0.5 cun into the hairline – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.

Massage Method

Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. Press and knead Toulinqi with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat headache, dizziness, and tearing in wind. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and clears heat, unblocks the collaterals and brightens the eyes, calms the liver and subdues yang, and opens the orifices and revives the spirit.

Compatibility

Malaria: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14), Jianshi (PC-5), Danshu (BL-19), and Ganshu (BL-18). Disease overview: Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, characterized by periodic chills, fever, and sweating. In TCM, it is often caused by external malarial pathogens lurking in the half-exterior and half-interior. Massage sequence: Massage Dazhui for 3 minutes; press Jianshi for 2 minutes; knead Danshu and Ganshu for 2 minutes each; finally knead Toulinqi for 3 minutes. Headache, dizziness, and red painful eyes: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Taichong (LR-3). Tearing in wind: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Cuanzhu (BL-2), and Fengchi (GB-20). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Yifeng (TE-17). Stroke with coma: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Neiguan (PC-6), and Yongquan (KI-1). Infantile convulsions: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40).

Efficacy & Actions

This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian, the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, and the Yang Wei Vessel. It dispels wind and clears heat, unblocks the collaterals and brightens the eyes, calms the liver and subdues yang, and opens the orifices and revives the spirit. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, eye, and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Tou" refers to the head; "Lin" means to face or overlook; "Qi" means tears. Located on the head, this point treats eye disorders and relieves tearing – hence the name Toulinqi (Head Facing Tears). It is also known as "Linqi."