BL-10 - Celestial Pillar
天柱 - Tiān zhù
Point Region: Neck
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: At the back of the neck, level with the top edge of the spinous process of the second cervical vertebra (C2), in the hollow just outside the trapezius muscle.
How to Locate:
- Find GV-15, in the hollow on the midline at the top of the neck
- Move out to the side across the large muscle beside the spine
- The point is in the hollow just outside that muscle
How to Apply Pressure
Find the hollow just outside the thick muscle at the back of the neck, a little below the base of the skull, and use gentle fingertip pressure only. Never press hard or rock the neck here, and skip the point if you have known instability in the neck.
Traditional Indications
In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nasal congestion with tearing
- Shoulder pain
- Visual disturbances
- Neck pain
Related Health Concerns
Related Acupoints
Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.
Important Precautions
Avoid this point with:
- Excessive force due to proximity to vertebral artery
- Avoid in severe cervical instability