Periocular acupuncture points

Periocular acupuncture points are specific anatomical locations situated around the orbital margin of the eye, commonly utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine and integrative ophthalmology. These points include Jingming (BL1), Zanzhu (BL2), Sizhukong (TE23), Chengqi (ST1), Tongziliao (GB1), and the extra-channel point Yuyao (EX-HN7). Unlike conventional therapeutic targets such as receptors or enzymes, these points represent physical sites for mechanical intervention rather than molecular entities. Stimulation of these points is clinically investigated for the treatment of various ophthalmic conditions, including dry eye syndrome, myopia progression, and glaucoma, by purportedly improving ocular microcirculation and modulating neuro-endocrine pathways. Because they are anatomical sites, they do not possess a molecular structure or serve as binding sites for pharmacological drugs in the traditional sense. Research suggests their efficacy is mediated through the activation of somatosensory nerves and the subsequent release of neuropeptides that maintain ocular homeostasis.

Other names

Periorbital acupuncture pointsOcular acupuncture pointsAcupoints around the eyePeriocular acupoints

Stimulation of these points triggers mechanical and thermal signals that are converted into biochemical signals, modulating the autonomic nervous system and increasing retrobulbar blood flow. It is proposed to influence the expression of factors such as Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and Substance P (SP), and regulate the secretion of tears and the stability of the tear film.