Touqiaoyin Point (GB-11 / Head Orifice Yin, also known as Qiaoyin)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Touqiaoyin (GB-11 / Head Orifice Yin). Learn its benefits for headache, dizziness, facial paralysis, tinnitus, and deafness – the meeting point of Gallbladder and Bladder – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache and dizziness (migraine, vertigo), facial deviation (facial paralysis), tinnitus, deafness, toothache, chest and hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, eye pain, and stiff painful neck.
Precise Location
On the head, superior and posterior to the mastoid process behind the ear, at the junction of the upper 2/3 and lower 1/3 of the curved line connecting Tianchong (GB-9) and Wangu (GB-12).
Location Method
Sit upright or lie laterally. Along the curved line from Tianchong to Wangu, locate the lower 1/3 point (the junction of the upper 2/3 and lower 1/3) – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. ③ Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Press and knead Touqiaoyin with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat headache and dizziness. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, and calms the liver and subdues yang.
Compatibility
Headache: Combine with Qiangjian (GV-18). Dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Yifeng (TE-17). Facial deviation (facial paralysis): Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Toothache: Combine with Xiaguan (ST-7), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Chest and hypochondriac pain with bitter taste: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zhigou (TE-6), and Taichong (LR-3). Stiff painful neck: Combine with Tianzhu (BL-10) and Houxi (SI-3).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian and the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, and calms the liver and subdues yang. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, ear, and liver-gallbladder disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Tou" refers to the head; "Qiao" refers to the orifices (eyes, ears, nose, mouth); "Yin" refers to the yin meridians. Located behind the ear on the head, this point is where Gallbladder Meridian qi communicates with the head orifices – hence the name Touqiaoyin (Head Orifice Yin). It is also known as "Qiaoyin."
