Bailao Bailao

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

Bailao (Bailao, “Bailao”) is an extra (non-channel) acupuncture point. It is located on the posterior aspect of the neck, 2 cun superior to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7, Dazhui), and 1 cun lateral to the midline. It tonifies deficiency, nourishes yin and blood, clears deficiency heat, stops sweating, and alleviates pain.

Location

On the posterior aspect of the neck, 2 cun superior to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7, Dazhui), and 1 cun lateral to the midline.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution should be exercised to avoid deep medial insertion to prevent injury to the spinal cord.

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TCM functions

Tonifies deficiency, nourishes yin and blood, clears deficiency heat, stops sweating, and alleviates pain..

Indications

Postpartum whole-body pain, mania, coughing up blood,consumptive disease, night sweats, spontaneous sweating, jaundice,all types of deficiency and damage, four limbs weakness, floating wind with whole-body itching, head and neck sores,opisthotonus from wind-stroke, eye blindness..

Clinical notes

Bailao is a key point for treating chronic, consumptive disorders, as its name 'Hundred Labors' implies. It is particularly noted for addressing deficiency heat symptoms like steaming bone disorder, night sweats, and low-grade fevers. Its location on the neck also makes it effective for local issues like scrofula, neck rigidity, and cough, especially when related to Lung yin deficiency. The classical sources also highlight its use for severe conditions like mania and complications of wind-stroke.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bailao located?

Bailao (Bailao) is located on the posterior aspect of the neck, 2 cun superior to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7, Dazhui), and 1 cun lateral to the midline.

What is Bailao used for?

Bailao tonifies deficiency, nourishes yin and blood, clears deficiency heat, stops sweating, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include postpartum whole-body pain, mania, coughing up blood,consumptive disease, night sweats, spontaneous sweating, jaundice,all types of deficiency and damage, four limbs weakness, floating wind with whole-body itching, head and neck sores,opisthotonus from wind-stroke, eye blindness.

How is Bailao needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion towards the spine, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution should be exercised to avoid deep medial insertion to prevent injury to the spinal cord. Caution: The Zi Sheng Jing warns to avoid needling into tendons and bones. Modern anatomy dictates caution to avoid deep medial insertion which could damage the spinal cord.

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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.