Bafeng Point (EX-LE10 / Eight Wind Points)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Bafeng (EX-LE10 / Eight Wind Points). Learn their benefits for dorsal foot swelling, toe numbness, ankle pain, and beriberi – the extraordinary points on the dorsum of the foot – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals, clears heat and removes toxins, reduces swelling and relieves pain, relaxs the sinews and benefits the joints. Treats dorsal foot redness and swelling, toe numbness, toe contracture, ankle swelling and pain, beriberi, wind-heat headache, red painful eyes, toothache, malaria, and snake bites.
Precise Location
On the dorsum of the foot, posterior to the web margins between the 1st and 5th toes, at the junction of the red and white skin – four points on each side, eight points in total.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. Locate the points on the dorsum of the foot at the web margins between each pair of toes, posterior to the webs at the junction of the red and white skin. From the big toe-second toe gap to the fourth-small toe gap – four points on each foot, eight points in total.
Massage Method
Press and knead each point with the thumb pad in sequence for 3–5 minutes per session, 1–2 times daily – a local sore-distending sensation is optimal. Coordinate with toe flexion and extension exercises to enhance meridian unblocking. Clinical practice commonly uses pricking bloodletting – use a three-edged needle to prick and release a few drops of blood for rapid heat clearance, swelling reduction, and pain relief. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals, clears heat and removes toxins, reduces swelling and relieves pain, relaxs the sinews and benefits the joints.
Compatibility
Dorsal foot redness and swelling, ankle swelling and pain: Combine with Jiexi (ST-41), Kunlun (BL-60), and Qiuxu (GB-40). Toe numbness and contracture: Combine with Taichong (LR-3) and Zulinqi (GB-41). Beriberi: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Xuanzhong (GB-39). Headache and red painful eyes: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Toothache: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Jiache (ST-6). Malaria: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14) and Houxi (SI-3). Snake bites (local treatment): Combine with surrounding needling and pricking around the wound.
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located on the dorsum of the foot, posterior to the web margins between the 1st and 5th toes, at the junction of the red and white skin – four points on each side, eight points in total. It dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals, clears heat and removes toxins, reduces swelling and relieves pain, and relaxs the sinews and benefits the joints. It is a commonly used key point for treating foot disorders and head-face wind-heat conditions. First documented in the Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. "Ba" refers to the eight points; "Feng" means wind. Located at the eight interdigital spaces on the dorsum of the foot, these points dispel wind pathogens – hence the name Bafeng (Eight Wind Points). It is also known as "Bachong" and "Yindubaxue." Bafeng is an experienced effective point for treating dorsal foot redness and swelling, toe pain, and head-face wind-heat disorders. It is commonly used for ankle sprains, dorsal foot swelling, and beriberi, often combined with Jiexi (ST-41), Kunlun (BL-60), and Zusanli (ST-36).
Contraindications
Located on the dorsal foot web spaces – needling should be superficial or oblique, generally 0.3–0.5 cun, or pricking for bleeding. Strict disinfection is required for bloodletting to prevent infection. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women. Contraindicated in cases of foot trauma or infection.
