Zutonggu Point (BL-66 / Foot Valley of Passage)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zutonggu (BL-66 / Foot Valley of Passage). Learn its benefits for headache, asthma, cervical spondylosis, and chronic gastritis – the Ying-Spring point of the Bladder Meridian – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache, asthma, cervical spondylosis (stiff painful neck), chronic gastritis (epigastric pain), dizziness, and epistaxis.
Precise Location
On the toe, distal to the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white skin.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. On the lateral side of the little toe, distal to the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white skin – 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. Press and knead Zutonggu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat headache. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and clears heat, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing.
Compatibility
Hemorrhoids: Combine with Jinmen (BL-63). Headache: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Asthma: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Tiantu (RN-22), and Dingchuan (EX-B1). Cervical spondylosis (stiff painful neck): Combine with Tianzhu (BL-10), Houxi (SI-3), and Dazhui (GV-14). Dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Taichong (LR-3). Epistaxis: Combine with Shangxing (GV-23) and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Ying-Spring point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Water element in the five-element theory). It dispels wind and clears heat, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, neck, and respiratory disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Tong" means to pass through or connect; "Gu" means valley or depression. Located on the lateral side of the little toe, where Bladder Meridian qi flows – hence the name Zutonggu (Foot Valley of Passage).
Contraindications
Located on the toe, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.2–0.3 cun vertically. Moxibustion is permissible.
