Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-31
Needle Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Thigh — Lateral
Location
On the midline of the lateral aspect of the thigh, 7 cun above the transverse politeal crease.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
- Removes obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Sciatica
Urticaria
Itchy skin
Hemiplegia
Leg atrophy
Herps zoster
Leg numbness
Knee stiffness
Red skin rashes
Commentary
Fengshi GB-31 is a major point of the Gall Bladder Channel. Its main function is to treat skin disorders such as itchiness, or red rashes that move around the body, which are caused by Wind-Heat invasion. Together with Zhigou TB-6, it treats herpes zoster as well.
Furthermore, it removes obstructions from the Channel by promoting Qi and Blood circulation in the legs and relaxing the sinews. Thus it treats sciatica, hemiplegia, leg atrophy, numbness of leg or rigidity of knee.
Classical Sources
《针灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "主中风腿膝无力，脚气，浑身瘙痒，麻痹，厉风疮" — Main indications include wind stroke with leg and knee weakness, beriberi, whole-body itching, numbness, and severe wind sores.
《备急千金要方》 Bèijí Qiānjīn Yàofāng (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "主两膝挛痛，引胁拘急。缓纵痿痹，腨肠疼冷不仁" — Treats bilateral knee contracture and pain radiating to the flanks with tension, flaccid atrophy and painful obstruction, with cold pain and numbness in the calf.
《医宗金鉴》 Yīzōng Jīnjiàn (Golden Mirror of Medicine): "主治腿中风湿，疼痛无力，脚气，浑身瘙痒，麻痹等证" — Main treatments include wind-dampness in the legs, pain with weakness, beriberi, generalized itching, and numbness.
《神农经》 Shénnóng Jīng: "治偏风半身不遂，两脚疼痛" — Treats wind stroke with hemiplegia and bilateral leg pain.
How to Locate
When the patient is standing erect with the hands close to the side, Fengshi GB-31 is usually where the tip of the middle finger touches. Or: locate the popliteal crease and the highest prominence of the greater trochanter. The distance between these two reference points is about 19 cun. Fengshi GB-31 is 7 cun above the politeal crease. It is sensitive to pressure, which can help locating the point.
Caution
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve runs through this region. While not a dangerous point, overly aggressive stimulation may cause temporary lateral thigh numbness. Ensure proper patient positioning when using the fingertip method for location, as point position varies slightly between standing and supine positions.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–2 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the lateral thigh, often with sensation extending downward along the Gallbladder channel toward the knee. Some patients may experience a spreading, heavy sensation radiating toward the hip region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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