Gallbladder channel and points

GB primary channelOuter canthus (entry point: GB1)

Corner of forehead

Back of ear

Neck

Shoulder (anterior to SJ)

Posterior to SJ

(supraclavical fossa)

Centre of ear

Anterior to ear

Inner canthus

ST 5

Cheek

Neck

Chest

Diaphragm

LIV, GB

Hypochondriac

encircles the genitals

deeply and emerges on the sacrum

Hip

Under armpit

Chest

Hypochondriac

Lateral of leg

Lateral of knee

Lateral malleolus

Dorsum of foot (exit point: GB 41)

4th toe Big toe

GB Luo-connecting channel

GB 37LIV channel

Upper and dorsal of foot

Excess: Cold sensation of the lower leg and foot.

Deficiency: Atrophy disorder of the legs with difficulty in standing.

GB divergent channel

Diverge thigh pubic hairline

Enter Abdomen passes through theLIV, GB diaphragm HT esophagus

Exit Face connects with the eye

Converges GB channel (GB1)

GB muscular regionStart Toes

Bundle Big joints: ankle, knee, hip

Distributed Lateral aspect of lower extremities (superficial)

Unite Face (ST3, SI 18)

Indication of GB channel1. Disorders of the regions along the course of

the meridians:A. Disorders on the head, face, five sense organs: migraine,

dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, eye pain, toothache, sore throat, bitter taste in mouth, facial paralysis…

B. Disorders on neck, shoulder…C. Disorders on hypochondriac: hypochondriac pain, cholecystitis,

hepatitis, shingles…D. Disorders around genital organs: leukorrhea, eczema around

genital organs, impotence…E. Disorders at hypochondriac, hip, lateral side of the lower limb,

lateral side of the foot…

2. Other disorders: febrile diseases, epilepsy, scrofula…

GB1 GB2 GB3In the hollow on the lateral side of the orbital margin, approximately 0.5 cun lateral to the outer canthus.

In the hollow between the intertragic notchand the condyloid process of the mandible. Locate this point with the mouth wide open.

Anterior to the ear, in a hollow above the upper border ofthe zygomatic arch, directly superior to ST7.

Transverse insertion posteriorly 0.2 to 0.3 cun, or bloodletting.

Slightly posterior insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.

Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

Note: according toseveral modern texts, this point is contraindicated tomoxibustion.

This point should be needled with the mouth wide open.

Caution: it is traditionally emphasized that deep needlingshould be avoided at this point.

GB1 GB2 GB3Meeting point of SI, SJ, GB

Meeting point of SJ, ST, GB

Local problems:1. headache2. eye’s problems:1) eye’s discharge, itching, red, swollen, pain…2) poor vision, night blindness, cloudiness of cornea ( optic neuritis, retinitis, retinal atrophy…)3. face problems: pain, paralysis…4. throat problems: pain

1. Headache2. Ear problems3. TMJ, deviation of mouth…

1. Psycho-emotional problems: depression, epilepsy (eye’s symptoms)…

GB4 GB5 GB6 GB7In the temporal region, within the hairline, between ST8 and GB7.

In the temporal region, within the hairline, level with SJ 20.

¼ from ST8

Midpoint from ST 8 and GB 7

¼ from GB 7

Transverse insertion 0.5-1.5 cun.

GB4 GB5 GB6 GB7Meeting point of SJ, GB,ST Meeting point of GB,

SJ, STMeeting point of BL, GB

1. Head: headache, migraine, epilepsy…2. Sense organ: eyes, ear, facial, mouth, tooth problems1. Psycho-emotional problems: infantile convulsion…2. Scalp puncture: (MS10: Anterior temporal line) GB4GB6: Head & facial disorders:migraine, pain on the outer canthus, tinnitus, facial paralysis, gingivitis, tonsillitis, throat disorders …

1. Scalp puncture: (MS6: motor area)lower 2/5: facial area: for central facial paralysis; salivation and dysphonia.

1. Meeting point of GB, BL: neck pain, movement limited…2. Scalp puncture: MS7 (Sensory area)lower 2/5: facial area: For facial numbness, migraine, TMJ; trigeminal neuralgia, toothache.

GB8shuaigu

GB9Tianchong

GB10Fubai

GB11Touqiaoyin

GB12wangu

In the temporal region, in the slight depression 1.5 cun directly above the apex of the ear.

Above the ear, in the depression 0.5 cun posterior to GB 8.

Posterior to the ear, along a curved line drawn from GB 9 to GB 12 running within the hairline and more or less parallel to the line of the rim ofthe ear.

in depression just posterior and inferior to mastoid process.

1/3 from GB9 1/3 from GB12

Transverse insertion 0.5-1.5 cun.

GB8 GB9 GB10 GB11Meeting point of BL, GB

Local problems: 1. Headache, dizziness…2. Ear problems

1. Digestive problems: fullness in ST, nausea, poor appetite…2. Mental problems: infantile convulsion.. 3. Heaviness of head…4. Scalp puncture: MS11: Posterior temporal line

GB8 GB7 A. headache, dizziness, vertigo…B. Ear problems: tinnitus, deafness

1. Mental problems: infantile convulsion, epilepsy... 2. Swollen and pain of gum…3. Neck pain

1. Neck pain, stiffness…2. toothache

1. Stiffness and pain of neck2. Shao yang problems: hypochondria c pain, bitter taste…

GB12 GB13in depression just posterior and inferior to mastoid process

0.5 cun within anterior hairline, 3 cun lateral to midline; two 3rd the distance between Du 24 and ST 8

Oblique inferior insertion 0.5-1 cun.

Transverse insertion 0.5-1.5 cun.

GB12(wan gu) GB13 (ben “shen”)Meeting point of BL & GB Meeting point of Yang Wei & GB

1. Local problems: headache, stiffness and pain of neck2. Sense organ’s problems: toothache, throat pain, deviation of mouth… (mumps, tonsillitis, facial paralysis)3. Epilepsy4. Malaria

1. Local: headache, blurred vision, dizziness, vertigo2. Mental problems: epilepsy, infantile convulsion, stroke, insomnia3. GB channel pathway: stiff neck, hypochondriac pain…

1 1 1.5 1.5GB14 GB15 GB

16GB 17

GB 18

GB1 9

GB20

0.5 1.5 2.5 4 2.5 1Anterior hairline Posterior hairline (mid)

1 cun superior to middle of eyebrow, directly above the pupil when eyes are looking straight ahead

directly above GB 14, 0.5 cun within anterior hairline, midway between Du 24 and ST 8

curved line drawn between GB15 and GB20, following the contour of the cranium (2.25 cun from midline)

below occiput, approx. midway between Du 16 and GB 12, in hollow between origins of the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles

Needling: Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1.5 cun.

Distance between points

0.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 4 2.5

BL3 BL4 BL5 BL6 BL7 BL8 BL9 BL10

Distance from hairline

0.5 0.5 1 2.5 4 5.5 2.5 0

Anterior hairline Posterior hairline

GB14 GB15 GB16 GB17 GB18 GB19Meeting point of GB & Yangwei

Meeting point of BL, GB, Yangwei

Meeting point of GB & Yangwei

1. Problems on head: headache, dizziness, vertigo…2. Sense organ’s problems: eyes, nose, ear 1. Facial paralysis2. Sinus problems3. Eyes problems4. Problems on upper eyelids

1. Infantile convulsion, epilepsy2. Scalp puncture: MS 3: ST problems, LIV, GB problems

1. epilepsy2. Eyes problems (glaucoma, conjunctivit is…)

1. Scalp puncture: GB17GB 18: upper extremities’ problems: pain, numbness, tingling, movement limited, paralysis…

1. Nasal problems: stuffy nose, nasal bleeding…

1. Mental problems: epilepsy, depression …2. Stiffness and pain of neck

GB20below occiput, approx. midway between Du 16 and GB 12, in hollow between origins of the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles

i. Slightly oblique inferior insertion in the direction of the channel, 1 to 1.5 cun; ii. Directed towards the tip of the nose (less than 40mm).iii. Directed towards the contralateral eyeball or Yintang, 0.5 to 1 cun (less than 25mm). IV. Joined by through-needling to contralateral GB 20, 2 to 3 cun ?

Caution: deeper needling may damage the spinal cord

GB20 (Feng chi 风池)Meeting point of GB and Yangwei channel

1. Local problems:

1) head: headache, dizziness, migraine… (hypertension)

2) neck: stiff neck, neck pain…

3) sense organs: eyes, nose, ear, throat, tooth…

2. mental problems: mania, depression, epilepsy, insomnia, loss of conscious…

3. expel wind (external and internal wind):

1) exterior syndrome (meeting point of GB and Yangwei channel): chills and fever, stiff neck, headache, back pain…

2) skin rashes due to wind: hives…

3) stroke, sequela of stroke…

4. heel problems: pain due to different reasons: heel bone spur…

GB21midway between Du 14 and tip of the acromion, at crest of trapezius muscle.

Posterior oblique insertion, 0.5-1 cun.Caution: i. perpendicular insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of inducing a pneumothorax;ii. contraindicated in pregnancy.

GB 21

Meeting point of GB and Yang wei chnnel

1. Local problems: shoulder, neck, arm…2. Tonify Qi, Blood…: weakness, fatigue…3. Gynecology problems (descending Qi):

lack of lactation, mastitis, retention of placenta, difficult delivery…

4. Scrofula

GB22 GB23On the mid-axillary line, in the 4th (5th) intercostal space, approximately 3 cun inferior to the apex of the axilla.(apex of axilla to free end of 11 rib = 12 cun)

1 cun anteriorto GB22

Transverse-oblique insertion along the intercostal space, 0.5 to 1 cun.Caution: deep or perpendicular needling may induce a pneumothorax. Note: according to several classical texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion.

GB22 GB231. local problems: hypochondriac pain, fullness or pain on the chest area (pleurisy, intercostal neuralgia…)

1. swollen and pain at axilla2. shoulder pain and movement limited

1. digestive problems: nausea, vomit…2. dyspnea, asthma…

GB24 GB25in the seventh intercostal space,directly below the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the midline.

anterior and inferior to the free end of the 12th rib.

Transverse- oblique insertion along the intercostal space, 0.5 to 1 cun.Caution: deep or perpendicular needling may induce a pneumothorax.

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.Caution: in thin subjects, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity.

GB24 GB251. front-mu point of GB2. Meeting point of SP, GB

Front-mu point of KI

front mu point of GB:1. Hypochondriac, jaundice, bitter taste in mouth… (cholecystitis, hepatitis, gallstone…)2. digestion problems (bile digestion): nausea, belching, accidreflux (qian jin: moxa 100 cones), stomachache, diarrhea, hiccups…3. mental problems: hesitation, timidity, mood swings, sigh a lot…

1. front mu point of KI: lower back pain, retention of urine, edema… (KI stone…)2. hypochondriac pain3. local problems: digestive problems: abdominal distention, gas, bloating, diarrhea, vomit…

GB26 GB27 GB28 GB29anterior and inferior to the free end of the eleventh rib, level with the umbilicus.

In the depression just anterior to the anterior superior iliacspine, approximately level with RN4 (3 cunbelow the umbilicus).

0.5 cun anterior and inferior to GB27.

On the lateral aspect of the hip joint, at the midpoint of aline drawn between the anterior superior iliac spine andthe prominence of the greater trochanter.

Perpendicular insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun. Caution: in thin subjects, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity.

Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.

Perpendicular insertion 1 to 2 cun, or oblique insertioninferiorly 2 to 3 cun.

GB26 GB27 GB28 GB29Meeting point of GB & Dai channel Meeting point of

GB & Yang qiao channel

1. reproductive system problems: leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, hernia…2. local problems: lower back pain, hypochondriac pain…Meeting points of Dai channel: Focus on reproductive problems1. Dai Mai: See next page

Local problems:1. urinary problems: 2. lower back pain, testitis…

Local problems:1. lower back pain, hip pain…

1. hip pain, leg pain, movement limited…2. hernia

Dai channel

Hypochondriac area (LIV 13)

Transversely around the waist like belt

• CAM (3 points)• GB 26, 27, 28

Indications of Dai channel:

1. Disorders in women: leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus, dysmenorrhea…

2. Disorders in the waist and abdomen: Distension and fullness in the abdomen, weakness of the lumbar region, lower back pain, feel like sitting in cold water…

3. other disorders: muscular atrophy, weakness and motor impairment of the lower limbs.

GB30 GB31On the postero-lateral aspect of the hip joint, 1/3 of the distance between the prominence of the greater trochanter and the sacro- coccygeal hiatus DU2.

On the lateral aspect of the thigh, directly below the greater trochanter, 7 cun superior to the popliteal crease.

Perpendicular insertion, directed towards the genitals, 2 to 3.5 cun.

Note: a radiating or electric sensation may travel to the foot. Since this manifestation of deqi (arrival of qi) is particularly indicated in cases of sciatica it may be more readily induced by locating GB-30 one cun inferior to its normal position.

i. Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion posteriorly 1 to 2 cun; ii. Oblique insertion, directed proximally or distally, 1.5 to 2.5 cun.

.

GB30 GB31 (Feng Shi)Meeting point of GB & BL

1. local problems: lower back, hip, leg, knee…(pain, numbness, tingling, movement limited…)

1. hives

GB32 GB33On the lateral aspect of the thigh, 2 cun inferior to GB31.(5 cun superior to the popliteal crease)

On the lateral side of the knee, in the depression above the lateral epicondyle of the femur, between the femur and tendon of biceps femoris.(3 cun above GB34)

i. Perpendicular or slightly posteriorly oblique insertion 1to 2 cun; ii. Oblique insertion, directed proximally or distally, 1.5 to 2.5 cun.

Perpendicular insertion 1 to 2 cun. Note: according to several classical texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion.

GB32 GB33

1. local problems: lower extremities, knee problems – pain, numbness, movement limited, paralysis

GB34Below the lateral aspect of the knee, in the tender depression approximately 1 cun anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

Perpendicular or slightly oblique posterior insertion 1 to1.5 cun. This point is sometimes through-needled to SP9, in which case it should be located in a slightly more distal position.

GB 34 阳陵泉yang ling quan• He-Sea and Earth point• Lower He-sea point of GB• Hui-meeting point of Sinews• Ma Dan-yang Heavenly Star point

1. He-sea point and lower He-sea point of GB:1) He-sea point is for counterflow qi and diarrhea, disease of the Stomach

disorders resulting from irregular eating and drinking: GB34 is especially indicated for vomiting due to shaoyang pattern or jaundice.

2) GB Fu organ’s problems (GB 34 is the most important points on GB channels for treating disorders of Gall Bladder):

A) physical: hypochondriac pain, jaundice, bitter taste, nausea, vomit, constipation, shoulder pain… (gallstone, cholecystitis, intercostal neuralgia, shingles, pleurisy…)

B) mental: timidity, sigh, palpitation…

2. Hui-meeting point of Sinews: (the main point to influence the sinews throughout the body) contraction of the sinews, stiffness of the neck and shoulders, stiffness and tightness of the muscles and joints, and most especially disorders of the leg (Local problems) such as knee pain, hemiplegia, atrophy disorder and painful obstruction.

3. LIV problems: LIV yang raising, LIV Qi stagnation (GB34, P6, SJ5)…

GB35 GB36 GB37 GB38 GB39superior to the prominence of the lateral malleolus

7 cun 7 cun 5 cun 4 cun 3 cun

posterior border of the fibula

anterior borderof the fibula

anterior border of the fibula

anterior border of the fibula

anterior border of the fibula

between the posterior border of the fibula and the tendons of peroneus longus and brevis

Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.

Perpendicular insertion 0.7 to 1 cun.

GB35 GB36 GB37 (bright light) GB38 GB39Xi-Cleft of Yang Wei

Xi-Cleft of GB Luo-Connecting point Hui-Meeting point for Marrow

1. problems along the pathway of GB channel: 1) hypochondriac pain, fullness on the chest area…2) lower extremities: swollen, pain, numbness, tingling, movement limited…1. mental: epilepsy, depression, mania, convulsion…2. breathing problems (Xi-cleft of Yang wei): cough, dyspnea, chills & fever, sore throat…

1. mental:2. stiff neck3. Xi-cleft point of GB: painful skin associated with painful obstruction and atrophy disorder, as well as for rabies.

1. Luo-connecting channel:1) collateral problems: Excess: Cold sensation of the lower leg and foot.Deficiency: Atrophy disorder of the legs with difficulty in standing.2) GB channel’s problems:Migraine3) Treating disorders of their interiorly-exteriorly related channel or zangfu: A. eyes problems (due to disharmony of the Liver): blurred vision, floaters, night blindness…B. breast swollen and pain, lack of lactation…

1. Hui-Meeting point for Marrow: (benefit the sinews and bones) a wide range of disorders characterized by weakness, flaccidity, contraction and pain of the limbs.1) bone marrow: blood deficiency, anemia…2) brain, spinal marrow: poor memory, poor concentration, mental retarded, stroke…3) bone problems: fracture, osteoporosis…2. migraine, neck pain3. prevent stroke

GB38Jing-River and Fire point

1. Jing-River and Fire point: 1) Cough and dyspnea, chills and fever: chills and fever, sweating with cold shivering, malaria. 2) Diseases manifesting in the patient’s voice: sighing. 3) Diseases of the sinews and bones: wind painful obstruction with numbness, wandering pain of the joints, hemiplegia, contracted sinews, pain of the hundred joints (i.e. all the joints), lower limb painful obstruction, severe lumbar pain, lumbar pain like a small hammer in the middle of the back, pain of the lateral malleolus.2. Child point of GB channel: clear heat and uprising of yang from the Gall Bladder channel: migraine, outer canthus pain…3. scrofula4. malaria

GB40 GB41 GB42 GB43 GB44At the ankle joint, in the depression anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus.

In the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of m.extensor digitorum longus (branch to little toe).

Between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, onthe medial side of the tendon of m. extensordigitorum longus (branch to little toe).

Between the fourth toe and the little toe, 0.5 cun proximalto the margin of the web.

On the dorsal aspect of the 4th toe, at thejunction of lines drawn along the lateral borderof the nail and the base of the nail, approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.

Perpendicul ar insertion 1 to 1.5 cun,

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 0.8 cun.

i. Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun; ii. Oblique insertion directed proximally, 0.5 to 1 cun.

Perpendicular or oblique insertion directed proximally 0.1 to 0.2 cun, or prick to bleed.

GB40 GB41 GB42 GB43 GB441. Yuan- Source point

Ying-Spring and Water point

Jing-Well and Metal point

1. problems along the pathway of GB channel: 1) head, face, sense organs: esp. Eyes…2) hypochondriac 3) lower extremities1. stiff neck2. malaria3. hernia4. GB channel problems: Yuan- Source point

See next page

1. headac he2. ear problem s3. breast problem s4. heat problem s: vomit blood, cough blood

1. ying-spring point: 1) clears heat and stagnant heat from the head, ears, eyes, face, breast and lateral costal region (whole of the GB channel)Malaria 2) mother point: No tonifying function. timidity..

1. Jing-well point: 1) treat the uppermost reaches of the channel: headache, stabbing pain of the head, dizziness, sudden deafness, tinnitus, redness swelling and pain of the eyes, throat painful obstruction, stiffness of the tongue with inability to speak and curled tongue with dry mouth. 2) treat fullness below the Heart: pain of the lateral costal region (with cough and inability to catch the breath). 3) treat disorders of the spirit: various disorders of sleep such as insomnia, nightmares and somnolence.

GB 411. Shu-Stream and Wood point 2. Confluent point of the DAI

1. Shu-Stream Points:1) Disorders of the yang channels: particularly strong action on dispersing stagnation of Liver qi throughout the shaoyang channel: headache, dizziness, migraine...2) Diseases manifesting intermittently: malaria

2. Confluent point of the Girdling vessel: distention and pain of the breast, breast abscess, menstrual disorders and inhibited menstruation, and is particularly used in situations where Liver qi stagnation impairs the smoothness and regularity of the menstrual cycle. mal-position of fetus…(see next page for indications of Dai channel)

3. Disorders of the eyes. According to (the Ode of the Obstructed River) 4. scrofula

Dai channel

Hypochondriac area (LIV 13)

Transversely around the waist like belt

• CAM (3 points)• GB 26, 27, 28

Indications of Dai channel:

1. Disorders in women: leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus, dysmenorrhea…

2. Disorders in the waist and abdomen: Distension and fullness in the abdomen, weakness of the lumbar region, lower back pain, feel like sitting in cold water…

3. other disorders: muscular atrophy, weakness and motor impairment of the lower limbs.