The Drilling Bamboo pressure point (B 2), also known as Bladder 2, is an acupoint located at the upper part of the face and associated with the Urinary Bladder meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is frequently used for addressing nasal, ocular, and frontal sinus issues and plays a significant role in relieving congestion, tension, and discomfort in the upper facial region.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | B 2 – Drilling Bamboo |
| Body Area | Face |
| Exact Location | Indentations of eye sockets where nose bridge meets eyebrows |
| Common Uses | Relieves sinus congestion, frontal headaches |
| Stimulation Technique | Press gently upward with thumbs for 1 min |
| Contraindications | Avoid if skin is inflamed or post-surgical around the eye area |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
The Drilling Bamboo pressure point is widely used to treat:
- Frontal headaches and eye strain from excessive screen use or tension
- Sinus congestion due to seasonal allergies or sinusitis
- Watery or dry eyes, often associated with fatigue
- Facial puffiness or heaviness, especially around the brow and eyes
- Emotional tension, manifesting in the forehead and eyes
This point helps stimulate Qi and blood circulation in the face and supports drainage of the sinus passages.
Location
B 2 is located in the inner upper corner of each eye socket, specifically:
- In the small depression at the base of the brow ridge, directly above the medial canthus (inner corner of the eye)
- Where the bridge of the nose meets the eyebrows
- Use your thumbs or index fingers to gently feel for the slight indentation on each side
This location is commonly illustrated on facial acupressure maps for sinus relief and eye tension.
How to Stimulate It
To stimulate the Drilling Bamboo pressure point:
- Technique: Use your thumbs (or index fingers if more comfortable) to press upward into the indentation
- Pressure: Gentle but firm; avoid pushing into the eye
- Duration: Hold for 1 minute while breathing slowly
- Posture: Sitting with relaxed shoulders and a slightly tilted head
- Frequency: Use 1–2 times daily, or during episodes of sinus pressure or headache
- Optional: Combine with warm compresses or nasal breathing techniques for enhanced sinus drainage
Benefits and Common Uses
B 2 is traditionally and therapeutically used to:
- Relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by inflammation or allergic reactions
- Alleviate tension headaches and pressure across the brow
- Reduce puffiness or tightness around the eyes
- Support clarity and focus by easing muscular and visual strain
- Enhance emotional regulation, as upper facial acupoints are linked with mental clarity and stress modulation
In TCM, this point is believed to clear wind and open sensory orifices, helping to restore harmony in the head and face.
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
B 2 lies adjacent to:
- Frontal and ethmoidal sinuses, directly affecting sinus drainage
- The corrugator and orbicularis oculi muscles, which often retain tension from frowning or squinting
- Branches of the supraorbital nerve, associated with pain and sensation in the forehead
Stimulation of B 2 may:
- Improve lymphatic drainage and reduce periorbital swelling
- Activate facial nerve pathways, reducing pain and pressure
- Promote autonomic balance in the parasympathetic system, helping regulate stress responses
Practitioner Insight
In my experience, this point is especially helpful during seasonal transitions or in environments with high allergen exposure. It often brings instant relief from forehead pressure and has a calming effect on the entire upper face.
Safety & Contraindications
Avoid stimulating B 2 if:
- The skin around the eye is inflamed, bruised, or has undergone recent surgical procedures
- There is extreme eye sensitivity or known eye disease (e.g., glaucoma)
- You’re experiencing dizziness or blurred vision not yet assessed by a healthcare provider
Use only light pressure, especially near the eye sockets. For more safety considerations, refer to the acupressure safety guide.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.
Related Points & Techniques
Pair B 2 with:
- LI 20 – Welcome Fragrance to enhance nasal opening and breathing
- GV 24.5 – Third Eye Point to calm the mind and reduce frontal headaches
- St 2 – Four Whites for deeper sinus and eye support
Complementary practices include:
- Steam inhalation or nasal rinsing before stimulation
- Deep nasal breathing during pressure application
- Tapping or massage around the brow ridge and temples for tension release
Scientific Perspective
Recent studies support acupressure at facial sites like B 2 for:
- Reducing symptoms of chronic sinusitis and rhinosinusitis through local tissue mobilization
- Enhancing parasympathetic nervous system tone, aiding stress and anxiety regulation
- Promoting vascular flow and reducing inflammatory cytokine activity in sinus-affected regions
One study found a significant improvement in nasal airflow and headache relief with acupressure around the orbit (NIH).