Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-18
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Vertex
Location
1.5 cun posterior to Zhengying GB-17 or 4 cun posterior to the anterior hairline. Or 1 cun anterior and 2.25 cun lateral to Baihui DU-20, which is at the vertex of the head.
Main Actions
- Opens the Mind's Orifice
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Benefits the nose
Indications
Commentary
Chengling GB-18 has a powerful effect on calming the Mind by opening its orifices. Typical manifestations are obsessive thoughts and pensiveness.
Like almost all Gall Bladder Channel point on the head, it subdues Liver Yang Rising, characterized by headache and dizziness.
Furthermore, it benefits the nose as well by descending the Rebellious Lung Qi.
Classical Sources
Jia Yi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Chengling GB-18 among the meeting points of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel and the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel).
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records indications including headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, and epistaxis. The point is described as being located on the head along the curved line connecting Toulinqi GB-15 and Fengchi GB-20.
How to Locate
First locate Baihui DU-20 at the vertex as a reference point. Then locate Chengling GB-18 on the pupil line, 1 cun anterior and lateral to DU-20.
Caution
Located on the scalp over the parietal bone. Use transverse (subcutaneous) insertion only—never needle perpendicular or deeply toward the skull. This area overlies the cranium; while not considered a dangerous point, practitioners should avoid excessive force. The occipital artery and nerve branches are nearby; gentle technique reduces risk of hematoma.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–1.5 cun transversely towards the occiput or the site of the disorder or pain.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness on the scalp. Deqi may radiate slightly across the parietal region. Sensation typically mild due to shallow insertion over the cranium.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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