Tongtian Point (BL-7 / Connecting to Heaven, also known as Tianjiu, Tianbo)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tongtian (BL-7 / Connecting to Heaven). Learn its benefits for headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and sinusitis – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, nosebleeds (epistaxis), sinusitis, and stiff painful neck.
Precise Location
On the head, 4 cun directly above the anterior hairline on the midline, and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Location Method
Bring the five fingers of the left hand together, place the little finger at the center of the anterior hairline – locate where the thumb tip rests as the base point. Then bring the middle and index fingers together, place the middle finger pad at the base point – the point is where the index fingertip rests. Use the same method to locate the other side.
Massage Method
Press with the index finger pads – apply to both sides for 1–3 minutes each. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and removes dampness, unblocks the nasal orifices, clears the head and brightens the eyes.
Compatibility
Sinusitis: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Yingxiang (LI-20), Shangxing (GV-23), and Tongtian (BL-7). Disease overview: Sinusitis is a common non-specific inflammation of the sinus mucosa. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial bones surrounding the nasal cavity – four pairs: frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. It is generally classified as acute or chronic – acute sinusitis often results from acute rhinitis, while chronic sinusitis develops from incomplete resolution or recurrent acute sinusitis. Massage sequence: First press Hegu for 1 minute, then press Yingxiang with the index finger pad for 3 minutes, finally press Shangxing and Tongtian for 3 minutes each – twice daily for significant results. Collapse: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Neiguan (PC-6), and Tongtian (BL-7). Vertigo: Combine with Kunlun (BL-60), Fengchi (GB-20), and Tongtian (BL-7).
Efficacy & Actions
The Jiayi Jing states: “Heavy pain at the top of the head – Tongtian is the primary point.” The Bronze Figure Manual states: “It treats facial deviation with thirst.” This is an important point that treats various disorders such as nasal congestion, nasal sores, collapse, and vertigo. If you experience any of these conditions, try massaging Tongtian. This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It clears heat and removes dampness, unblocks the nasal orifices, clears the head and brightens the eyes. It is a commonly used point for treating nasal, head, and facial disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Tong” means to connect or pass through; “Tian” means heaven or upper. Located on the vertex, where Bladder Meridian qi ascends to the upper region – hence the name Tongtian (Connecting to Heaven). It is also known as “Tianjiu” and “Tianbo.”
