天柱

Tianzhu(BL10,天柱) is an acupuncture point in the meridian named Taiyang Bladder Meridian of Foot.

Meaning

Tian, heaven; zhu, pillar.
Upper is considered as heaven. The cervical spine was called Zhugu(Pillar bone) in ancient times; the point is lateral to it.

Location

0.5 cun directly above the midpoint of posterior hairline, 1.3 cun lateral to the anterior-posterior midline, in the depression of lateral border of m.trapezium.

Indication

1. neck rigidity, cervical spondylopathy
2. cold-caused nose stuff, sore throat

Method

Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely in the direction of the midline 0.5-1 cun. Deep puncture upward is prohibited to avoid medulla injury.