Qiú Hòu (球后) — Behind the Eyeball
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1. Overview
Qiú Hòu (球后) — literally Behind the Eyeball — is an extra (EX) acupuncture point used in acupuncture primarily for deep ophthalmic conditions where standard peri-orbital points have not been sufficient.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use Qiu Hou with great caution as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
At the junction of the lateral one-quarter and medial three-quarters of the lower orbital margin.
3. Actions
- Brightens the eyes
- Activates the meridian and benefits the retina and optic nerve
- Disperses Wind-Heat from the eye
4. Indications
- Optic atrophy and optic nerve damage
- Macular degeneration (adjunctive)
- Open-angle glaucoma (adjunctive, under ophthalmology supervision)
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Diabetic retinopathy (adjunctive)
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) in children
- Strabismus
5. Needling
Slow, careful perpendicular insertion 0.5–1 cun, directing the needle slightly upward and toward the orbital apex. No manipulation after insertion. Withdraw slowly and apply pressure for 1–2 minutes to prevent haematoma. This is an advanced point requiring an experienced practitioner and patient consent regarding risks (haematoma, transient blurred vision).
6. Clinical notes
Qiu Hou is a deep ophthalmic point used principally in Chinese hospital ophthalmology departments for retinal and optic-nerve conditions. In UK private practice it is reserved for patients with degenerative eye disease who are also under specialist ophthalmology care, and only when shallower points such as BL 1, Yu Yao and GB 1 have been tried. Bruising is common and patients must be counselled in advance.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Qiu Hou occasionally in supportive treatment of optic atrophy, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, always alongside the patient’s ophthalmology care. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
