Bamboo Gathering
攒竹 Cuán Zhú · BL-2
About BL-2 Bamboo Gathering
BL-2 Zanzhu sits at the very beginning of the Bladder meridian's trajectory across the head, and its location at the inner eyebrow gives it direct therapeutic access to the eyes, forehead, and frontal sinuses. The Bladder meridian is the longest in the body, running from the inner eye up over the crown, down the entire back, and to the little toe. At Zanzhu, the channel is at its most superficial and most connected to the head's wind-sensitive areas.
The name 'Bamboo Gathering' refers to the cluster of fine hairs at the medial end of the eyebrow, which resemble a gathering of bamboo leaves. Beyond the poetic image, the name suggests convergence -- this is where the energy of the taiyang (greater yang) channel first gathers before ascending over the head. Wind pathogens frequently invade through this region, producing the frontal headaches, eye irritation, and lacrimation (tearing) that Zanzhu so effectively treats.
In clinical practice, BL-2 is most often used for eye conditions and frontal headaches. It is part of a powerful local point group for the eyes that includes BL-1 (Jingming), EX-HN3 (Yintang), GB-14 (Yangbai), and the extra point Taiyang. For self-care, it is one of the most accessible points on the body -- people naturally press here when their eyes are tired or their forehead aches. This instinctive response validates what Chinese medicine has formalized over millennia.
How to Find This Point
Feel along the inner end of your eyebrow where it begins nearest the nose. The point is in the small notch or depression at the very beginning of the eyebrow, directly above the inner corner of the eye. You can feel a tiny notch in the bone (supraorbital notch) at this location.
Technique
Press gently upward into the bony notch with the thumb or fingertip. Light sustained pressure or gentle circular motions. Press both sides simultaneously for headache and eye strain relief.
Pressure & Duration
Light to moderate pressure for 1-2 minutes, both sides simultaneously.
Benefits
Benefits the eyes, clears wind, relieves headache, clears the head, alleviates pain in the brow region
Indications
Headache (especially frontal), eye pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, eye redness, sinusitis, supraorbital neuralgia, facial paralysis, twitching of the eyelid
TCM Actions
Expels wind, clears heat, brightens the eyes, alleviates pain
Self-Care Use
Press gently at the inner edge of both eyebrows simultaneously for frontal headache, sinus pressure, and eye strain. This is one of the most intuitive self-care points -- many people instinctively rub this area when they have a headache. Press lightly upward into the bony notch for 1-2 minutes. Particularly effective for screen-related eye strain and tension headaches that settle behind the forehead.
Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid pressing directly on the eyeball. Use gentle pressure only -- the supraorbital nerve and artery pass through this area. Do not apply firm pressure if there is any orbital fracture or recent eye surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the BL-2 Bamboo Gathering acupressure point located?
BL-2 Bamboo Gathering (Cuán Zhú) is located at: On the face, in the depression at the medial end of the eyebrow, above the inner canthus of the eye, on the supraorbital notch. Feel along the inner end of your eyebrow where it begins nearest the nose. The point is in the small notch or depression at the very beginning of the eyebrow, directly above the inner corner of the ey
How long should I press BL-2 Bamboo Gathering?
Apply light to moderate pressure to BL-2 for 1-2 minutes, both sides simultaneously. Press gently upward into the bony notch with the thumb or fingertip. Light sustained pressure or gentle circular motions. Press both sides simultaneously for headache and eye strain relief.
What are the benefits of stimulating BL-2 Bamboo Gathering?
Benefits the eyes, clears wind, relieves headache, clears the head, alleviates pain in the brow region
Is it safe to do acupressure on BL-2 at home?
Press gently at the inner edge of both eyebrows simultaneously for frontal headache, sinus pressure, and eye strain. This is one of the most intuitive self-care points -- many people instinctively rub Cautions: Avoid pressing directly on the eyeball. Use gentle pressure only -- the supraorbital nerve and artery pass through this area. Do not apply firm pressu
Which meridian does BL-2 belong to?
BL-2 Bamboo Gathering belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, which is associated with the Water element. Its TCM actions include: Expels wind, clears heat, brightens the eyes, alleviates pain