BL1 Bright Eyes

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

BL1 (Jingming, “Bright Eyes”) is the Meeting point of Bladder, Small Intestine, Stomach, Gallbladder, Sanjiao, Yin Qiao, Yang Qiao point of the Bladder Meridian. BL1 is located 0.1 cun superior to the inner canthus, in the depression between the eyeball and the orbital margin. It dispels wind, clears heat, brightens eyes, benefits vision.

Location

BL1 is located 0.1 cun superior to the inner canthus, in the depression between the eyeball and the orbital margin.

Needling

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, along the orbital wall. Caution: avoid puncturing the eyeball.

⚠ Eye risk: needle along the orbital rim only; never angle toward the eyeball.
⚠ Direct/scarring moxa traditionally avoided here (face / sensory organ — scar & burn risk).

TCM functions

Dispels wind, clears heat, brightens eyes, benefits vision.

Indications

Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation, night blindness, blurred vision, color blindness.

Meeting point of Bladder, Small Intestine, Stomach, Gallbladder, Sanjiao, Yin Qiao, Yang Qiao

Clinical notes

BL1 is a crucial local point for eye disorders, renowned for its ability to brighten the eyes and benefit vision by dispelling wind and clearing heat. As a meeting point of multiple meridians, it has a strong influence on the eyes, treating conditions like redness, swelling, pain, itching, blurred vision, and tearing. It is frequently used in conjunction with other eye points like GB20 and SJ23 for various ophthalmic issues.

On the Bladder channel

BL1 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL1 located?

BL1 is located 0.1 cun superior to the inner canthus, in the depression between the eyeball and the orbital margin.

What is BL1 used for?

BL1 dispels wind, clears heat, brightens eyes, benefits vision. Common clinical indications include redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation, night blindness, blurred vision, color blindness.

How is BL1 needled?

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, along the orbital wall. Caution: avoid puncturing the eyeball. Caution: ⚠ Eye risk: needle along the orbital rim only; never angle toward the eyeball. ⚠ Direct/scarring moxa traditionally avoided here (face / sensory organ — scar & burn risk).

Which meridian is BL1 on?

BL1 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.