Acupuncture
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EX-LE-6
Needle Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Lateral
Location
On the Gall Bladder Channel of the right leg, about 1-2 cun below Yanglingquan GB-34. Around there, palpate and locate Dannang EX-LE-6 at the most tender point.
Main Actions
- Clears Damp-heat
Indications
Cholecystitis
Cholelithiasis
Bile duct disease
Biliary ascariasis
Lower limb numbness
Lower limb paralysis
Lateral costal region pain
Lateral costal region fullness
Commentary
The name of this point is translated to 'Gall Bladder' which implies its functions.
Dannang EX-LE-6 is very effective in treating both acute and chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.
It often becomes pressure sensitive when the Gall Bladder has inflammation. Thus this point can also be used as a diagnosis tool.
Furthermore, it is one of the very few points that only exist on one side of the body.
Classical Sources
Dannang (胆囊穴) is a relatively modern extra point developed through clinical practice rather than appearing in classical texts. Its name literally means "gallbladder" (胆囊), reflecting its primary therapeutic application. The point gained recognition in 20th-century acupuncture practice due to its remarkable diagnostic and therapeutic significance for gallbladder pathology.
Clinical texts note that tenderness at this point is diagnostically significant for gallbladder disorders—when pressed, patients with gallbladder disease will often experience notable sensitivity or pain at this location, making it useful for both diagnosis and treatment.
How to Locate
First, locate Yanglingquan GB-34 of the right leg. Locate the head of the fibula on the lateral aspect of the leg, where the seam of the trousers usually are. Hold it with the index and middle fingers like tweezers. Gliding distally with both fingers and the index finger will come to rest in a depression directly inferior and anterior to the head of the fibula. Yanglingquan GB-34 is located there. Then continue palpating downward, slowly along the Gall Bladder Channel. Locate Dannang EX-LE-6 at the most tender point about 1–2 cun inferior to GB-34.
Caution
This point lies on the lateral aspect of the lower leg in the peroneal nerve region. Care should be taken not to needle too deeply or aggressively to avoid irritating the common peroneal nerve. In patients with acute cholecystitis with signs of peritonitis or suspected gallbladder rupture, acupuncture should not delay emergency medical evaluation. The point is often tender in gallbladder pathology—adjust needle stimulation intensity accordingly.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension, with sensation often radiating downward toward the toes along the lateral aspect of the leg. In patients with active gallbladder disease, needling may produce referred sensations to the right hypochondrium (rib-side area).
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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