Reaching Yin
至阴 Zhì Yīn · BL-67
About BL-67 Reaching Yin
BL-67 Zhiyin is the jing-well point of the Bladder meridian, located at the very tip of the channel's trajectory at the little toe. Jing-well points are where meridian qi surfaces and changes polarity from yin to yang or vice versa, and Zhiyin's name -- 'Reaching Yin' -- explicitly marks this transition point where the most yang of all yang meridians (the Bladder/Taiyang) reaches the yin of the foot's extremity and hands off to the Kidney (Shaoyin) meridian.
Zhiyin is world-famous for a single, extraordinary application: correcting breech presentation in pregnancy through moxibustion. Burning moxa (dried mugwort) at BL-67 has been shown in multiple controlled studies to significantly increase the rate of spontaneous cephalic version (the baby turning head-down). The mechanism is thought to involve stimulation of the adrenal cortex via the Bladder meridian, increasing uterine activity and fetal movement. This application has brought international attention to the point and has been incorporated into some Western obstetric practices.
Beyond its obstetric fame, Zhiyin has the general properties of all jing-well points: it clears the head, brightens the eyes, and can revive consciousness in emergencies. The Bladder meridian begins at the inner eye (BL-1) and ends here at the little toe, and stimulating the terminal point sends a clearing wave up the entire channel to the head. For self-care acupressure, it is a useful adjunct point for headaches, nasal congestion, and eye strain, pressed firmly at the toenail corner for 1-2 minutes.
How to Find This Point
Look at the little toe. The point is at the outer corner of the toenail base, about a grain of rice's distance from where the nail meets the skin on the outside edge.
Technique
Press firmly with the fingernail or tip of a pen against the point. Small, focused pressure at the nail corner. This point is classically treated with moxibustion rather than acupressure for its most famous indication (breech presentation).
Pressure & Duration
Firm (focused, small-area pressure) pressure for 1-2 minutes per side for general use; 15-20 minutes of moxibustion for breech presentation (under practitioner guidance only).
Benefits
Clears the head, brightens the eyes, turns the fetus, promotes labor, revives consciousness
Indications
Breech presentation (with moxibustion), difficult labor, headache, eye pain, nasal obstruction, loss of consciousness, malposition of fetus
TCM Actions
Clears the head, brightens the eyes, eliminates wind, turns the fetus, promotes labor, jing-well point of the Bladder meridian
Self-Care Use
Press firmly at the outer corner of the little toenail for headache, nasal congestion, and eye irritation. As the terminal point of the Bladder meridian, it has a clearing effect on the head that belies its distant location. Its most famous application -- correcting breech presentation through moxibustion -- should only be done with a qualified practitioner. For self-care, the point is mainly useful for clearing the head and eyes.
Contraindications & Cautions
Moxibustion for breech presentation should only be done under qualified practitioner supervision. Avoid in threatened miscarriage. Acupressure at this point is generally safe but avoid in late pregnancy without guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the BL-67 Reaching Yin acupressure point located?
BL-67 Reaching Yin (Zhì Yīn) is located at: On the lateral side of the distal phalanx of the little toe, 0.1 cun from the corner of the toenail. Look at the little toe. The point is at the outer corner of the toenail base, about a grain of rice's distance from where the nail meets the skin on the outside edge.
How long should I press BL-67 Reaching Yin?
Apply firm (focused, small-area pressure) pressure to BL-67 for 1-2 minutes per side for general use; 15-20 minutes of moxibustion for breech presentation (under practitioner guidance only). Press firmly with the fingernail or tip of a pen against the point. Small, focused pressure at the nail corner. This point is classically treated with moxibustion rather than acupressure for its most
What are the benefits of stimulating BL-67 Reaching Yin?
Clears the head, brightens the eyes, turns the fetus, promotes labor, revives consciousness
Is it safe to do acupressure on BL-67 at home?
Press firmly at the outer corner of the little toenail for headache, nasal congestion, and eye irritation. As the terminal point of the Bladder meridian, it has a clearing effect on the head that beli Cautions: Moxibustion for breech presentation should only be done under qualified practitioner supervision. Avoid in threatened miscarriage. Acupressure at this
Which meridian does BL-67 belong to?
BL-67 Reaching Yin belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, which is associated with the Metal (jing-well point of Water meridian) element. Its TCM actions include: Clears the head, brightens the eyes, eliminates wind, turns the fetus, promotes labor, jing-well point of the Bladder meridian