Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-26
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Hypochondrium, Abdomen — Middle
Location
Level with the umbilicus, directly below Zhangmen LIV-13 which is on the free end of the 11th rib.
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness in the Lower Burner
- Regulates the Girdle Vessel and the Uterus
Indications
Commentary
Daimai literally means 'Girdle Vessel' in Chinese and it is actually the beginning of the Vessel.
Daimai GB-26 regulates the Girdle Vessel, so as to benefit the Uterus and menstruation function. As a result, it harmonizes the Liver and Gall Bladder. When combined with Zulingqi GB-41 and Waiguan TB-5, it strengthens the effect. Typical symptoms are irregular periods, painful periods, amenorrhoea, infertility, prolapse of uterus, hypogastric fullness in women as well as lower abdominal pain in women.
This point also has a powerful effect on resolving Dampness from the Lower Burner. The Girdle Vessel encircles all Channels to the legs and it facilities Body Fluid circulation there. Thus GB-26 can be stimulated to treat vaginal discharge and prolapse.
Its functions are similar to Wushu GB-27 and Weidao GB-28.
Classical Sources
Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), Chapter 28: "The Dai Mai starts at the seasonal ribs and circles around the body once." This text establishes the course of the Girdle Vessel which passes through GB-26.
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Describes the Dai Mai's function of binding and constraining all the vertical channels, with GB-26 serving as the key point where the Gallbladder channel meets the Dai Mai vessel.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists indications including leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, and abdominal pain, establishing GB-26 as the primary point for gynecological disorders related to Dai Mai pathology.
How to Locate
First locate Zhangmen LIV-13 on the free end of the 11th rib by palpating the lower border of the ribcage. Then locate Daimai GB-26 level with the umbilicus and inferior to Zhangmen LIV-13.
Caution
In thin patients, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Use shallow to medium insertion depth and avoid deep perpendicular needling. The free end of the 11th rib and the underlying abdominal organs require careful attention during needling. Lateral oblique insertion may be safer in very thin individuals.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Be careful with slim patients
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distending or heavy sensation locally around the waist. Deqi may radiate along the waistband area (Dai Mai trajectory) anteriorly toward the lower abdomen or posteriorly toward the lumbar region. Some patients report a sensation of the waist being "girdled" or wrapped.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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