Jingming Point (BL1): Your Eye's Natural Guardian — Complete TCM Eye Care Guide
Due to prolonged use of electronic devices, many people experience blurred vision, photophobia, tearing, dry eyes, foreign-body sensation, eye soreness, orbital pain, eyelid heaviness—and in severe cases even nausea, vomiting, and headache. These symptoms actually relate to digital eye strain (visual fatigue).
In observance of National Love-Eye Day, let us learn the expert eye-care guidance from China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Ophthalmology Hospital—starting with acupoint massage, give your eyes a full recharge!
I. Precise Location of Jingming Point
Jingming point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, located at the slight depression superior to the inner canthus (medial corner of the eye).
Quick localization:
Gently press the inner corner of the eye with your fingertip
Shift slightly upward until you feel a depression
Pressing produces soreness—this is Jingming point
II. Therapeutic Functions of Jingming Point
Jingming is a key acupoint in TCM ophthalmology with the following effects:
Relieves eye dryness: Stimulating the acupoint promotes lacrimal (tear) gland secretion
Improves visual fatigue: Enhances periocular circulation, relieves extraocular muscle tension
Brightens vision and resolves corneal opacity: Auxiliary improvement for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and other refractive errors
Dispels wind and clears heat: Alleviates red swollen painful eyes, photophobia-lacrimation, and related symptoms
III. Expert Recommendations: China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Ophthalmology Hospital
Chief Physician Zhang Lixia (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Ophthalmology Hospital) recommends:
Simple Eye Care Methods:
1. Warm-Palm Eye Compress (Yin Mu Method)
Rub palms together until warm
Place warm palms gently over closed eyes
Promotes improved periocular circulation
2. Acupoint Pressure Method
Gently press Jingming (BL1) and Taiyang (EX-HN5)
Jingming is just above the inner canthus; Taiyang is at the intersection of brow tail and eye-corner extended line
Press each point for 5–10 seconds, repeat 3 sets
3. Blink Training
After gently closing eyes, blink rapidly 10 times
Relieves dryness and fatigue symptoms
IV. Expert Recommendations: Capital Medical University Beijing TCM Hospital
Associate Chief Physician Yang Chao (Ophthalmology Dept., Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing TCM Hospital) recommends:
2 Methods to Relieve Eye Strain & Dry Eye:
Method 1: Warm Steam Therapy for Eyes
Can promote qi-blood circulation, improving eye fatigue.
Method 2: Acupoint Massage
Use thumb to anchor Taiyang point, bend index finger to scrape brow bone and above—effectively relieves eye soreness and heaviness
Knead the three brow acupoints from lateral to medial: Sizhukong (TE23), Yuyao (EX-HN4), and Cuanzhu (BL2)—effectively unblocks meridians and collaterals, improving eye fatigue and dryness
Recommended routine: Perform the above sequence kneading each point 10 times, repeat 2–3 groups daily.
V. Comprehensive Eye-Care Acupoint Reference
Periocular Acupoints:
Periocular Acupoint Reference Chart
| Acupoint | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Jingming (BL1) | Depression above inner canthus | Relieves dryness, brightens vision |
| Cuanzhu (BL2) | Depression at brow center | Relieves eye fatigue, headache |
| Sizhukong (TE23) | Depression at brow tail | Relieves migraine, eye disorders |
| Tongziliao (GB1) | Depression lateral to outer canthus | Improves vision, relieves fatigue |
| Sibai (ST2) | Depression directly below pupil, infraorbital foramen | Improves periocular circulation |
| Taiyang (EX-HN5) | One finger-width behind brow tail / outer canthus junction | Relieves headache, eye fatigue |
Distant (Body) Acupoints:
Distant Eye-Care Acupoint Reference
| Acupoint | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Taichong (LR3) | Between 1st & 2nd metatarsals on foot dorsum | Clears liver fire, nourishes yin for bright vision |
| Guangming (GB37) | Lateral lower leg, 5 cun above lateral malleolus | Clears liver, brightens eyes, unblocks collaterals |
| Fengchi (GB20) | Depression below occipital bone bilaterally | Relieves dizziness and blurry vision |
VI. Detailed Massage Instructions
Basic technique:
- Use thumb tip, finger side, or fingerprint surface as contact point
- Press on acupoint until sore sensation is produced
- Massage each acupoint approximately 30 times
Coordinating techniques:
- Coordinate with deep breathing (nasal inhale 4 sec, oral exhale 6 sec)
- Do not look at phone; relax mind; avoid ruminative thoughts
- Best performed 1 hour before bedtime; total session ~10 minutes
VII. Additional Traditional Chinese Medicine Eye Care Methods
1. Herbal Fumigation/Steam
Utilize herbs with liver-kidney-nourishing or liver-clearing-brightening properties: chrysanthemum, cassia seed, goji berry, mulberry leaf. Brew with boiling water, allow temperature to become comfortable, then steam the eye area with rising vapor.
Home simplified version:
- Brew chrysanthemum, goji berry etc. as tea
- After brewing, use rising steam to fumigate eyes
- Consume the tea afterward
- Maintain safe distance to avoid burns.
2. Moxibustion
For periocular acupoints, apply gentle moxa stick moxibustion twice weekly, 10–15 minutes each session.
3. Dietary Therapy for Eye Care
Liver-blood-deficiency type (dry blurry eyes, photophobia): Goji pork-liver soup (goji 15g + pork liver 100g)
Spleen-qi-deficiency type (heavy eyelids, difficult to open): Chinese yam millet porridge
Kidney-essence-deficiency type (dizzy after prolonged near-work): Black sesame walnut (small handful daily)
Computer-users essential: Chrysanthemum + goji berry tea—clears liver and brightens eyes.
VIII. Preventive Lifestyle Habits for Eye Health
Control near-work duration: Stand and move every 30 minutes; gaze at objects >5 meters away
Ensure adequate sleep: Asleep by 11 PM
Increase outdoor time: 2+ hours daily
Maintain proper posture: Avoid lying down scrolling phone; maintain correct sitting posture
Optimize lighting: Avoid overly bright or dim screens; never use phone in complete darkness
IX. Expert Warning
If any of the following occur, seek medical evaluation promptly:
Eye fatigue persisting 2+ weeks
Sudden vision decline
Accompanied by headache, nausea
Dryness interfering with daily activities
Conclusion
Jingming point is the "natural remedy" for relieving eye fatigue. Through scientific massage combined with other eye-care acupoints, it can effectively address visual fatigue, dry eye syndrome, and related issues. Remember: depression above the inner canthus, gentle pressure for 5–10 seconds—let your eyes get the rest they deserve!