Gall Bladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang

Jing-Luo System

 Traveling course of the regular meridian

It starts from the outer canthus at GB 1 Tongziliao , ascends to the corner of the forehead at GB 4 Hanyan , curves down the retroauricular region to GB 20 Fengchi , runs along the side of the neck to the shoulder, and enters the supraclavicular fossa.

 

The branch from the retroauricular region passes through the ear, emerges in front of the ear, and reaches the posterior aspect of the outer canthus.

The branch from the outer canthus runs down to ST 5 DaYing , meets the San Jiao Meridian at the infraorbital region, passes through ST 6 Jiache , descends to the neck, enters the supraclavicular fossa where it meets the straight portion, descends further to the chest, passes through the diaphragm to connect with the liver and homes to the gall bladder, runs within the hypochondriac region, emerges on the lateral side of the lower abdomen, runs along the margin of the pubic hair, and goes transversely to the hip region [GB 30 Huantiao ].

The straight portion descends from the supraclavicular fossa to the axilla, runs along the lateral side of the chest and hypochondrium to the hip region [GB 30 Huantiao ], meets its branch there, descends along the lateral side of the leg and the front of the external malleolus, and ends on the lateral side of the tip of the fourth toe at GB 44 Zuqiaoyin .

The branch from the dorsum of the foot at GB 41 Zulinqi  runs between the first and second metatarsal bones to the distal portion of the great toe, turns back to its nail, and terminates at the hairy region at LR 1 Dadun  to link with the Liver Meridian.

Traveling course of the divergent meridian

It diverges from the regular Gall Bladder Meridian on the thigh, goes around the hip, and enters the region of the pubic hair and lower abdomen to meet with the divergent meridian of the liver. A branch ascends to the hypochondriac region, travels inside the chest, connects with the gall bladder, and spreads into the liver. It then continues ascending to penetrate the heart and pass through the throat, emerges at the mandible, and disperses in the face. Finally, it connects with the eye system and joins the regular Gall Bladder Meridian at the outer canthus.

Traveling course of the collateral

It separates from the regular Gall Bladder Meridian at GB 37 Guangming , 5 cun above the external malleolus, connects with the regular Liver Meridian, and descends to disperse over the dorsum of the foot.

The muscle region

It starts at the fourth toe and knots at the external malleolus. It ascends along the lateral aspect of the lower leg and binds at the lateral aspect of the knee. A branch splits out at the fibula and goes up to the thigh. Its one subbranch binds anteriorly above ST 32 Futu  and another posteriorly at the sacrum. The straight branch ascends across the ribs to the anterior area of the axilla, connects with the breast, and knots at ST 12 Quepen . Another straight branch rises from the axilla, passes through ST 12 Quepen , emerges at the front of the Bladder Muscle Region, travels posterior to the ear, and ascends to the corner of the forehead and the vertex, where it crosses over with its bilateral counterpart. It then descends to the cheek and binds at the side of the nose. Finally, another branch knots upward at the outer canthus.

The cutaneous regions

Point System

There are 44 points on the Gall Bladder Meridian, among which the points underlined are commonly used. The range of treatment of the stomach points includes diseases of the side of the head, eyes, ears and throat; mental illnesses; gall bladder diseases; and gynecological illnesses and disorders along the traveling course of the meridian. Examples are migraine/side headache, eye pain, deafness, epilepsy, mania, jaundice, hypochondriac pain, amenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, uterine bleeding, pain along the side of the chest and hypochondrium, hip and leg pain on the lateral side.

GB 1 Tongziliao（瞳子髎）

Name: Pupil Bone-hole. The point is located in the depression beside the outer orbital bone and level with the pupil. It also functions to benefit the eye.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Small Intestine and San Jiao Meridians.

Location: 0.5 cun lateral to the outer canthus, in the depression on the lateral side of the orbital margin.

Actions: Brightens the eyes, dispels wind, and clears heat and fire.

Indications: Headache, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, blurred vision, lacrimation, night blindness, deviation of the mouth and eye.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously outward 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 2 Tinghui （听会）

Name: Hearing Convergence. It is key point for ear disorders that has a strong Fu effect on hearing.

Special Group: None.

Location: In the depression anterior to the intertragic notch, at the posterior border of the condyloid process of the mandible. Get the patient to open the mouth when locating and needling this point.

Actions: Opens the ears, benefits hearing, dispels wind, and unblocks the meridian.

Indications: Tinnitus, poor hearing, toothache, TMJ disorders, deviation of the mouth.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun with the mouth opened.

GB 3 Shangguan （上关） or Kezhuren （客主人）

Name: Upper Pass, or Guest and Host. The point has two different names. The first one refers to its location above the zygomatic arch, right above ST 7 Xiaguan or the Lower Pass. The second one refers to its special group, i.e. a Crossing point with the Hand Shaoyang and Foot Yangming, like a get-together of guests and their host.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the San Jiao and Stomach Meridians.

Location: On the face anterior to the ear, directly above ST 7 Xiaguan, on the superior border of the zygomatic arch.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, opens the ears, and soothes the joint.

Indications: Migraine, tinnitus, poor hearing, deviation of the mouth and eye, toothache, trismus.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 4 Hanyan （颔厌）

Name: Jaw Fullness. The meaning of the name is not easily understood. The point is located on the temporal area. Why, then, is it named “Jaw”? Actually, as we are chewing with our jaws (the first character of the name), in order to get full (the second character) in our stomach, we can observe the movement of the temporal area where the point is located!

Special Group: Crossing Point with the San Jiao and Stomach Meridians.

Location: Within the hairline of the temporal region, at the topmost quarter of the distance between ST 8 Touwei and GB 7 Qubin.

Actions: Clears heat, dispels wind, and relieves pain.

Indications: Migraine, dizziness, tinnitus, toothache, epilepsy.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously backward 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 5 Xuanlu （悬颅）

Name: Suspended Skull. The name refers to its location on the lateral side of the head like the skull bone hung at its level.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the San Jiao and Stomach Meridians.

Location: Within the hairline of the temporal region, at the midpoint of the distance between ST 8 Touwei and GB 7 Qubin.

Actions: Clears heat, dispels wind, and relieves pain.

Indications: Migraine, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, toothache.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously backward 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 6 Xuanli （悬厘）

Name: Suspended Tuft. “Tuft” refers to the hair that is hung in the point region.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the San Jiao, Stomach, and Large Intestine Meridians.

Location: Within the hairline of the temporal region, at the lowest one quarter of the distance between ST 8 Touwei and GB 7 Qubin .

Actions: Clears heat, dispels wind, and relieves pain.

Indications: Migraine, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, tinnitus.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously backward 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 7 Qubin （曲鬓）

Name: Temporal Hairline Curve. It describes the location of the point.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Bladder Meridian.

Location: Within the hairline of the temporal region, directly above the posterior border of the temporal hairline, level with and one finger-breath anterior to TE 20 Jiaosun.

Actions: Dispels wind and benefits the temporomandibular joint.

Indications: Headache, toothache, trismus, sudden loss of voice.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously backward 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 8 Shuaigu （率谷）

Name: Leading Valley. The point is in the valley-like depression close to the junction of the cranial bones: frontal, sphenoid, temporal, and parietal.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Bladder Meridian.

Location: Directly above the ear apex, 1.5 cun within the hairline.

Actions: Dispels wind-heat and benefits the chest and diaphragm.

Indications: Migraine, dizziness and vertigo, child’s Fright Wind Syndrome.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 9 Tianchong （天冲）

Name: Celestial Surging. “Tian” (“celestial, heavenly”) refers to the head and “Chong” suggests that the point is crossing the Bladder Meridian and its Qi is rushing to the vertex.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Bladder Meridian.

Location: Directly above the posterior border of the root of the auricle, 2 cun within the hairline.

Actions: Dispels wind and calms the spirit.

Indications: Headache, Dian or depressive syndrome, swelling and pain of the gums.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 10 Fubai （浮白）

Name: Floating White. The name suggests that the point is up and apparent on the head.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Bladder Meridian.

Location: Posterior to and level with the upper border of the auricular root, 1 cun transversely within the hairline, in a depression about one third of the distance of a curved line connecting GB 9 Tianchong and GB 12 Wangu.

Actions: Dispels wind and clears the head.

Indications: Headache, tinnitus, poor hearing, eye pain, goiter.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 11 Touqiaoyin （头窍阴）

Name: Head Yin’s Orifice. It functions to open the head orifices, such as the ears, eyes, and throat.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Bladder Meridian.

Location: Below GB 10 Fubai, in a depression about two thirds of the distance of a curved line connecting GB 9 Tianchong and GB 12 Wangu .

Actions: Dispels wind-heat and opens the head orifices.

Indications: Headache, tinnitus, poor hearing, ear pain.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 12 Wangu （完骨）

Name: Mastoid Process. The point uses its anatomical landmark for its name.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Bladder Meridian.

Location: In the depression posterior and inferior to the mastoid process.

Actions: Dispels wind-heat and calms the spirit.

Indications: Headache, pain and stiffness of the neck, toothache, deviation of the mouth, malaria, epilepsy.

Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 13 Benshen （本神）

Name: Root of the Spirit. The point functions to calm the spirit, which is lateral to DU 24 Shenting or the “courtyard of the spirit”.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei Meridian.

Location: Above the forehead, 0.5 cun with the anterior hairline, 3 cun lateral to DU 24 Shenting.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, relieves pain, and calms the spirit.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, epilepsy, insomnia, child’s Fright Wind Syndrome.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 14 Yangbai （阴白）

Name: Yang White. It is a point on a Yang meridian and it functions to brighten (hence “White”) the eyes.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei, Stomach, and Large Intestine Meridians.

Location: On the forehead directly above the pupil when one is looking forward, 1 cun above the upper border of the eyebrow.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, and brightens the eyes.

Indications: Headache, eye pain, blurred vision, twitching of the upper eyelids, facial paralysis.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 15 Toulinqi （头临泣）

Name: Head Overlooking Tearing. The point is at a higher position on the forehead and it is used to treat eye conditions, including lacrimation.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei and Bladder Meridians.

Location: Directly above GB 14 Yangbai, 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline.

Actions: Brightens the eyes, clears the head, and dispels wind-heat.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, lacrimation, eye pain, nasal obstruction, child’s Fright Wind Syndrome.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 16 Muchuang （目窗）

Name: Eye’s Window. The point treats eye diseases.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei Meridian.

Location: One cun posterior to GB 15 Toulinqi, on the line connecting GB 15 Toulinqi and GB 20 Fengchi.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, and clarifies the head and eyes.

Indications: Headache, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, blurred vision, nasal obstruction, epilepsy, swelling of the face.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 17 Zhengying （正营）

Name: Upright Ying. The point is situated at the vertex where the brain is nourished by Ying-Qi from the point.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei Meridian.

Location: One cun posterior to GB 16 Muchuang, on the line connecting GB 15 Toulinqi and GB 20 Fengchi.

Actions: Dispels wind, unblocks the meridian, and relieves pain.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, toothache.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 18 Chengling （承灵）

Name: Spirit Support. The name refers to the point’s influence on the spirit.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei Meridian.

Location: 1.5 cun posterior to GB 17 Zhengying, on the line connecting GB 15 Toulinqi and GB 20 Fengchi.

Actions: Dispels wind and clears heat.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, eye pain, nasal obstruction, epistaxis.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 19 Naokong （脑空）

Name: Brain Hollow. The point is in a depression on the occipital region and functions to benefit the brain.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei Meridian.

Location: 1.5 cun above GB 20 Fengchi, level with DU 17 Naohu, lateral to the occipital protuberance.

Actions: Dispels wind, benefits the nose, and calms the spirit.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia), epilepsy, pain and stiffness of the neck.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 20 Fengchi （风池）

Name: Wind Pool. The point is on the nape area where exogenous wind enters and gathers easily. It is also a very important point for dispeling pathogenic wind.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei and San Jiao Meridians.

Location: One cun within the posterior hairline, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper attachment of the trapezius muscle, level with DU 16 FengFu.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, releases exterior syndrome, clears the head and eyes, opens the orifices, and frees the flow of Qi in the meridian.

Indications: Headache, dizziness and vertigo, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, otorrhea, epistaxis, tinnitus, stiffness and pain of the neck and nape, common cold, epilepsy, wind stroke, febrile diseases, malaria, goiter, Luo Le or scrofula, pain in the shoulder and upper back.

Method: Puncture obliquely slightly downward 0.5–1 cun. Upward and deep insertion is not allowed.

GB 21 Jianjing （肩井）

Name: Shoulder Well. The Qi is deeply concentrated at this point, as if in a well, and has a profound effect on not only the shoulder tissues but also the whole body.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei, Stomach, and San Jiao Meridians.

Location: On the shoulder, at the midpoint between DU 14 Dazhui and the tip of the acromion.

Actions: Regulates the flow of Qi, benefits the shoulder, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Stiffness and pain of the neck, pain in the shoulder and back, difficult movement of the upper limbs, difficult labor, mastitis, insufficient lactation, Luo Li or scrofula.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun. Deep and downward insertion is not allowed, to avoid injuring the lung. It is also contraindicated for pregnancy.

GB 22 Yuanye （渊腋）

Name: Armpit Abyss. The point seems deeply hidden within the armpit.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the side of the chest, in the fourth intercostal space, on the mid-axillary line. Locate the point with the arm adducted.

Actions: Promotes Qi and blood circulation, and soothes the chest.

Indications: Fullness in the chest, pain in the hypochondrium, paralysis and pain of the upper limbs.

Method: Puncture obliquely or subcutaneously along the rib 0.3–0.5 cun. Deep and perpendicular insertion is not allowed in this point, or in the following points on the chest.

GB 23 Zhejin （辙筋）

Name: Rib Tendon. The name refers to the point’s location.

Special Group: None.

Location: One cun anterior to GB 22 Yuanye, in the fourth intercostal space.

Actions: Regulates Qi and blood, arrests asthma, and descends Lung-Qi.

Indications: Fullness in the chest, pain in the hypochondrium, asthma, vomiting, acid regurgitation.

Method: Puncture obliquely or subcutaneously along the rib 0.3–0.5 cun. Deep and perpendicular insertion is not allowed at this point.

GB 24 Riyue （日月）

Name: Sun and Moon. It functions as the Front-Mu point of the gall bladder, which controls one’s ability to make decisions as clear as the sun and moon. The two characters are put together to form a new one: “,” which means “Clear.”

Special Group: (1) Front-Mu Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian; (2) Crossing Point with the Spleen and Yang Wei Meridians.

Location: On the nipple line or the vertical line through the midpoint of the clavicle, which is 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, in the seventh intercostal space.

Actions: Regulates the liver, gall bladder, and stomach, promotes Qi flow, and transforms damp-heat.

Indications: Vomiting, acid regurgitation, pain in the hypochondriac region, hiccups, jaundice.

Method: Puncture obliquely or subcutaneously along the rib 0.3–0.5 cun. Deep and perpendicular insertion is not allowed at this point.

GB 25 Jingmen （京门）

Name: Capital Gate. “Capital” means “important” here. As the Front-Mu point of the kidney, it is an important point to help the kidney control water.

Special Group: Front-Mu Point of the Kidney Meridian.

Location: On the side of the abdomen, at the lower border of the free end of the 12th rib.

Actions: Tonifies the kidneys and regulates the water passage.

Indications: Dysuria, edema, lumbar pain, hypochondriac pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.8 cun.

GB 26 Daimai （带脉）

Name: Dai or Girdling Vessel. This is a Crossing point with the Dai Meridian. The Dai Meridian originates and passes through this point.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Dai Meridian.

Location: Directly below LR 13 Zhangmen or the free end of the 11th rib, level with the center of the umbilicus.

Actions: Consolidates the Dai Meridian, regulates the menses, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Abdominal pain, amenorrhea, abnormal menstruation, leukorrhea, Shan Qi or hernia, pain in the lumbar and hypochondriac region.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.8 cun.

GB 27 Wushu （五枢）

Name: Five Pivots. The name refers to the function of the point affecting the area of the abdomen like a pivot for the five meridians (KI, ST, SP, LR, CV) within the area.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Dai Meridian.

Location: On the side of the lower abdomen, about 0.5 cun anterior to the superior iliac spine, level with CV 4 Guanyuan or 3 cun below the center of the umbilicus.

Actions: Tonifies the lumbar region, regulates menstruation, transforms damp-heat, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Abdominal pain, Shan Qi or hernia, leukorrhea, constipation, prolapse of the uterus.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 28 Weidao （维道）

Name: Linking Path. It is like a path linking the Gall Bladder Meridian with the Dai Meridian.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Dai Meridian.

Location: 0.5 cun anterior and inferior to GB 27 Wushu.

Actions: Regulates the Dai Meridian, transforms damp-heat, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Abdominal pain, Shan Qi or hernia, leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 29 Juliao （居髎）

Name: Squatting on Bone-hole. The point’s name refers to its influence and location on the head of the femur in the bone socket, which plays a functional role in reaching the squatting position.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Wei Meridian.

Location: In the depression of the midpoint between the anterosuperior iliac spine and the tip of the great trochanter. Locate the point when the client is in a recumbent position with the thigh flexed.

Actions: Strengthens the lumbar region and legs, benefits the hip joint, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Lumbar pain, paralysis or pain of the lower limbs, Shan Qi or hernia.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 30 Huantiao （环跳）

Name: Leaping Circumflexus. The name refers to the point’s location near the hip joint, a pivot for the circumflexion of the lower limbs, as well as its influence on the movement of the hip joint.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Bladder Meridian.

Location: At the buttock, one third of the distance between the tip of the greater trochanter and the hiatus of the sacrum. Locate the point while the client is in a recumbent position with the thigh flexed.

Actions: Strengthens the lumbar region and legs, benefits the hip joint, dispels wind-dampness, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Lumbar pain, thigh pain, Bi Syndrome in the hip joint, sciatica, hemiplegia.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1.5–2.5 cun.

GB 31 Fengshi （风市）

Name: Wind Market. It is one of the points in the lower limbs good for dispelling wind.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the lateral aspect of the thigh, 7 cun above the transverse popliteal crease. When one is standing erect naturally with the arms extended by the sides, the point is at the place which the tip of the middle finger touches.

Actions: Dispels wind and cold, clears heat, regulates Qi and blood, and unblocks the meridian.

Indications: Pain in the thigh and lumbar region, hemiplegia, weakness, numbness and pain of the lower limbs, Foot Qi or beriberi, general pruritus.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1–1.5 cun.

GB 32 Zhongdu （中渎）

Name: Central Ditch. The point is located in the ditch-like depression between the tendons in the leg.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the lateral aspect of the thigh, 2 cun below GB 31 Fengshi, or 5 cun above the transverse popliteal crease, between the vastus lateralis muscle and the biceps femoris muscle.

Actions: Dispels wind, resolves dampness, and unblocks the meridian.

Indications: Pain in the thigh and knee, hemiplegia, weakness, numbness and pain of the lower limbs.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 33 Xiyangguan （膝阳关）

Name: Knee Yang Pass. The point is located on the lateral aspect of the leg which belongs to Yang and near the knee joint, the passageway for Qi flow.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the lateral aspect of the knee, 3 cun above GB 34 Yanglingquan, on the anterior side of the thigh, in the depression on the upper border of the superior epicondyle of the femur, between the femur and the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle.

Actions: Dispels wind-cold, transforms dampness, and unblocks the meridian.

Indications: Swelling and pain of the knee, contracture and spasm of the tendon in the popliteal fossa, numbness of the leg.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 34 Yanglingquan （阳陵泉）

Name: Yang Mound Spring. The point lies below the head of the fibula like a spring at the base of a mound. It is a Yang point, opposite SP 9 Yinlingquan.

Special Group: (1) He-Sea Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian; (2) Influential Point of the Tendon.

Location: In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

Actions: Soothes the tendon, dispels wind, clears the damp-heat off the gall bladder, regulates the Qi of the liver and gall bladder, and unblocks the meridian.

Indications: Hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, vomiting, hemiplegia, Foot Qi or beriberi, jaundice, child’s Fright Wind Syndrome.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.5–1 cun.

GB 35 Yangjiao （阳交）

Name: Yang Intersection. The point’s name refers to the special groups to which it belongs: Crossing point with and Xi-Cleft point of the Yang Wei Meridian.

Special Group: (1) Crossing Point of the Yang Wei Meridian; (2) Xi-Cleft Point of the Yang Wei Meridian.

Location: Seven cun above the tip of the external malleolus, on the posterior border of the fibula.

Actions: Promotes the flow of Qi of the liver and Gall Bladder, relieves pain, and calms the spirit.

Indications: Fullness and distension of the chest and hypochondrium, hemiplegia, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 36 Waiqiu （外丘）

Name: Outer Mound. The point is located on the muscular prominence of the lower leg on the lateral aspect.

Special Group: Xi-Cleft Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: On the lateral aspect of the leg, 7 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula, anterior to and level with GB 35 Yangjiao.

Actions: Promotes the flow of Qi of the liver and Gall Bladder, relieves pain, and calms the spirit.

Indications: Fullness and distension of the chest and hypochondrium, hemiplegia, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 37 Guangming （光明）

Name: Bright Light. The name refers to the point’s function in brightening the eyes.

Special Group: Luo-Connecting Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: On the lateral aspect of the leg, 5 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.

Actions: Brightens the eyes, promotes the flow of Qi of the Liver and Gall Bladder, dispels wind, clears heat-dampness, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Eye pain, night blindness, blurred vision, paralysis or pain of the lower limbs, distension and tenderness of the breasts.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 38 Yangfu （阳辅）

Name: Yang Assistant. The fibula was called “Fu Gu” or “Assistant Bone” in ancient times.

Special Group: Jing-River Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 4 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, and promotes the flow of Qi of the liver and gall bladder.

Indications: Migraine, pain in the outer canthus, Luo Li or scrofula, Foot Qi or beriberi, swelling and pain in the inferior region of the axilla, sore throat, distending pain in the chest and hypochondrium, paralysis or pain of the lower limbs.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 39 Xuanzhong（悬钟）or Juegu （绝骨）

Name: Suspending Bell or Severed Bone. The first name refers to the point’s location near the medial aspect of the calcaneous bone, which resembles a Chinese bell. The second name refers to the lower end of the fibula, which appears to abruptly stop, as if it were severed or cut off.

Special Group: Influential Point of the Marrow.

Location: Three cun above the tip of the external malleolus, in the depression between the posterior border of the fibula and the tendons of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, resolves dampness, reinforces marrow, and unblocks the meridian.

Indications: Stiffness and pain of the nape, distending pain in the chest and hypochondrium, paralysis or pain of the lower limbs, sore throat, Foot Qi or beriberi, hemorrhoids.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

GB 40 Qiuxu （丘墟）

Name: Hill Ruins. The name refers to the depression near the external malleolus.

Special Group: Yuan-Primary Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: Anterior and inferior to the external malleolus, in the depression on the lateral border of the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus muscle.

Actions: Regulates the Gall Bladder Qi, harmonizes the middle Qi, clears damp-heat, and unblocks the meridian.

Indications: Distending pain in the chest and hypochondrium, paralysis or pain of the lower limbs, malaria.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.8 cun.

GB 41 Zulinqi （足临泣）

Name: Foot Overlooking Tearing. The name refers to the function of the point in clearing the eyes.

Special Group: (1) Shu-Stream Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian; (2) Confluent Point of the Dai Meridian.

Location: In the narrow space distal to the junction of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus muscle (to the little toe).

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, clears the eyes, resolves phlegm, and regulates the Dai and Gall Bladder Meridians.

Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, distending pain in the chest and hypochondrium, abnormal menstruation, enuresis, mastitis, Luo Li or scrofula, malaria, pain on the dorsum of the foot.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 42 Diwuhui （地五会）

Name: Earth Five Convergence. The point is in the middle of the five points on the foot portion of this meridian and Functions to treat disorders of the five toes.

Special Group: None.

Location: In the space between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, on the medial side of the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus muscle.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, and unblocks the meridian.

Indications: Headache, redness of the eyes, tinnitus, distending pain in the hypochondrium, mastitis, vomiting of blood due to internal injury, pain in the dorsum of the foot.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 43 Xiaxi （侠溪）

Name: Narrow Stream. It is a Ying-Spring point with Qi flowing like a stream through the narrow space between the fourth and fifth toes.

Special Group: Ying-Spring Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: On the lateral side of the fourth toe, 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the toenail.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat and fire, opens the orifices, and frees the flow of Qi in the meridian.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, tinnitus, poor hearing, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, distending pain in the hypochondriac region, febrile diseases, mastitis.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

GB 44 Zuqiaoyin （足窍阴）

Name: Foot Yin’s Orifice. It shares the name with GB 11 Touqiaoyin (Head Yin’s Orifice). It suggests that this is the terminal point of the Gall Bladder Meridian, after which the meridian will give way to a Yin meridian — the Liver.

Special Group: Jing-Well Point of the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: On the dorsum of the foot, about 0.5 cun proximal to the web margin between the fourth and fifth toes.

Actions: Dispels wind, clears heat, and relieves pain.

Indications: Headache, poor hearing, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, sore throat, febrile diseases, insomnia, distending pain in the hypochondriac region, cough, abnormal menstruation.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.1 cun, or prick to induce bleeding.