BL2 Gathered Bamboo

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

BL2 (Zǎn Zhú, “Gathered Bamboo”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located in the palpable depression at the medial end of the eyebrow, directly superior to the inner canthus of the eye. It expels wind and clears heat from the head and eyes, brightens the eyes, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain.

Location

In the palpable depression at the medial end of the eyebrow, directly superior to the inner canthus of the eye.

Needling

Transverse insertion, either subcutaneously inferiorly towards the eye for local issues, or superiorly towards Yuyao. Depth is typically 0.3-0.5 cun. Pricking to bleed is also common for acute conditions.

A
d
j
a
c
e
n
t
t
o
t
h
e
e
y
e
b
a
l
l
—
p
r
e
s
s
t
h
e
g
l
o
b
e
a
s
i
d
e
,
i
n
s
e
r
t
s
l
o
w
l
y
w
i
t
h
o
u
t
l
i
f
t
i
n
g
/
t
h
r
u
s
t
i
n
g
o
r
r
o
t
a
t
i
n
g
;
d
o
n
o
t
n
e
e
d
l
e
d
e
e
p
l
y
.
B
r
u
i
s
i
n
g
i
s
c
o
m
m
o
n
.
M
o
s
t
c
l
a
s
s
i
c
a
l
s
o
u
r
c
e
s
a
d
v
i
s
e
a
g
a
i
n
s
t
m
o
x
i
b
u
s
t
i
o
n
a
t
t
h
i
s
p
o
i
n
t
.
N
e
e
d
l
i
n
g
s
h
o
u
l
d
b
e
d
o
n
e
w
i
t
h
c
a
r
e
t
o
a
v
o
i
d
t
h
e
o
r
b
i
t
a
n
d
m
a
j
o
r
b
l
o
o
d
v
e
s
s
e
l
s
.

TCM functions

Expels wind and clears heat from the head and eyes, brightens the eyes, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain..

Indications

Headache, wind headache, facial pain, cheek pain, eye pain, red and painful eyes, blurry vision, excessive tearing, twitching eyelids, itchy pupils, inability to sleep due to eyelid twitching, wind dizziness, sneezing, hemorrhoid pain, corpse-like collapse (shi jue), epilepsy, mania, spirit possession, demonic haunting, convulsions, madly running about, inability to sleep, child's epilepsy with upward-staring eyes, neck rigidity, inability to look around, facial redness..

Clinical notes

Zan Zhu is a primary point for a wide range of eye disorders, particularly those involving wind, heat, pain, and redness. Its location at the head of the eyebrow makes it effective for frontal headaches and sinus issues. The classical emphasis on its use for severe psycho-emotional and neurological conditions like mania, epilepsy, and spirit possession highlights its powerful function in calming the spirit and clearing disturbances from the head.

On the Bladder channel

BL2 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

BL1BL3BL4BL5BL6BL7BL8BL9

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL2 located?

BL2 (Zǎn Zhú) is located in the palpable depression at the medial end of the eyebrow, directly superior to the inner canthus of the eye.

What is BL2 used for?

BL2 expels wind and clears heat from the head and eyes, brightens the eyes, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include headache, wind headache, facial pain, cheek pain, eye pain, red and painful eyes, blurry vision, excessive tearing, twitching eyelids, itchy pupils, inability to sleep due to eyelid twitching, wind dizziness, sneezing, hemorrhoid pain, corpse-like collapse (shi jue), epilepsy, mania, spirit possession, demonic haunting, convulsions, madly running about, inability to sleep, child's epilepsy with upward-staring eyes, neck rigidity, inability to look around, facial redness.

How is BL2 needled?

Transverse insertion, either subcutaneously inferiorly towards the eye for local issues, or superiorly towards Yuyao. Depth is typically 0.3-0.5 cun. Pricking to bleed is also common for acute conditions. Caution: Adjacent to the eyeball — press the globe aside, insert slowly without lifting/thrusting or rotating; do not needle deeply. Bruising is common. Most classical sources advise against moxibustion at this point. Needling should be done with care to avoid the orbit and major blood vessels.

Which meridian is BL2 on?

BL2 is a point on the Bladder Meridian (Zú Tài Yáng Páng Guāng Jīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ 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.