BL9 Yuzhen

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

BL9 (Yuzhen, “Yuzhen”) is an acupuncture point on the Bladder Meridian. It is located on the posterior head, 1.3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the superior border of the external occipital protuberance. This is approximately 2.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline and 1.3 cun lateral to the Du Mai point Naohu (DU17). It dispels wind and cold, clears the head and eyes, alleviates pain.

Location

On the posterior head, 1.3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the superior border of the external occipital protuberance. This is approximately 2.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline and 1.3 cun lateral to the Du Mai point Naohu (DU17).

Needling

Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, directed inferiorly or medially, 0.3-0.5 cun. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion.

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TCM functions

Dispels wind and cold, clears the head and eyes, alleviates pain..

Indications

Headache, head and neck pain, dizziness, eye pain, half-head cold sensation, bone pain with cold and heat, nasal congestion, inability to smell, profuse sweating, sudden collapse and stiffness, aversion to wind and cold, mad walking, convulsions, blurred vision, internal eye obstruction, inability to see..

Clinical notes

Yuzhen is a key local point for occipital headaches, neck stiffness, and pain that may radiate to the eyes or vertex. Its classical indications for wind-cold affecting the head make it useful for common colds with headache and nasal congestion. Due to its location over the occiput, it is also used for visual disturbances and dizziness originating from the posterior head and neck.

On the Bladder channel

BL9 is one of 67 points on the Bladder Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is BL9 located?

BL9 (Yuzhen) is located on the posterior head, 1.3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the superior border of the external occipital protuberance. This is approximately 2.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline and 1.3 cun lateral to the Du Mai point Naohu (DU17).

What is BL9 used for?

BL9 dispels wind and cold, clears the head and eyes, alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include headache, head and neck pain, dizziness, eye pain, half-head cold sensation, bone pain with cold and heat, nasal congestion, inability to smell, profuse sweating, sudden collapse and stiffness, aversion to wind and cold, mad walking, convulsions, blurred vision, internal eye obstruction, inability to see.

How is BL9 needled?

Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, directed inferiorly or medially, 0.3-0.5 cun. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion. Caution: The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying lists Yuzhen (玉枕) in its 'Forbidden to Needle' song (禁針穴歌), which is a notable caution, although most other major classics permit needling.

Which meridian is BL9 on?

BL9 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.