Tianzhu Point (BL-10 / Heavenly Pillar)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tianzhu (BL-10 / Heavenly Pillar). Learn its benefits for occipital headache, stiff neck, blurred vision, and shoulder pain – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Occipital headache, stiff neck, blurred vision (weak eyesight), shoulder and back pain, nasal congestion, dizziness, and febrile diseases.
Precise Location
Located on the Bladder Meridian, in the depression directly below the occipital bone, on the lateral side of the prominent muscle (trapezius) at the back of the neck, approximately 1.3 cun lateral to the center of the posterior hairline.
Location Method
Sit upright with both hands raised, elbows lifted, palms facing forward toward the back of the head, fingertips pointing upward. Place the thumb pads in the depression directly below the occipital bone, in the hollows on both sides of the large tendons – the point is where the thumb pads rest.
Massage Method
Press and knead with the thumb pads from below upward with gentle force – apply to both sides simultaneously or separately for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and brightens the eyes, strengthens the sinews and bones, dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Nasal congestion: Combine with Yingxiang (LI-20), Meichong (BL-3), and Tianzhu (BL-10). Disease overview: Any condition affecting the nasal airway can cause congestion – common in colds, also seen in nasal tumors and polyps, nasopharyngeal tumors with adenoid hypertrophy, deviated septum from trauma, and nasal secretions from specific infections. Massage sequence: Press Yingxiang (1 cm lateral to each nostril) simultaneously – take a deep breath, exhale slowly while pressing for 6 seconds, release as you inhale – repeat 10 times; then massage Meichong and Tianzhu for 2 minutes each. Shoulder stiffness and soreness: Combine with Jianjing (GB-21) and Gaohuang (BL-43). Cerebral hemorrhage: Combine with Shangyang (LI-1), Shaochong (HT-9), Guanchong (TE-1), and Tianzhu (BL-10).
Efficacy & Actions
Regular massage of this point in the elderly not only helps prevent heatstroke but also improves symptoms such as dizziness and tinnitus during heatstroke. For those suffering from frequent headaches, mental dullness, blurred vision, or unclear thinking, daily pressing of Tianzhu – once each morning and evening, with nine presses or multiples of nine each time – can improve these symptoms. This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It clears heat and brightens the eyes, strengthens the sinews and bones, dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals. It is a commonly used point for treating head, neck, and systemic disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "Zhu" means pillar or support. Located at the back of the neck, this point serves as the pillar supporting the head – hence the name Tianzhu (Heavenly Pillar).
