Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-10
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal, Head — Occipital
Location
Posterior and superior to the mastoid process, at the junction of the upper third and the two lower thirds of the curved line connecting Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
- Clears Heat in the head and neck
Indications
Goitre
Deafness
Tinnitus
Dyspnoea
Arm pain
Headaches
Toothache
Neck pain
Heavy head
Stiff neck
Chest pain
Flaccidity
Shoulder pain
Arm stiffness
Blocked throat
Chest fullness
Coughing of phlegm
Swollen neck glands
Alternating fever and chills
Commentary
Fubai GB-10 is not a major point of Gall Bladder Channel. It clears Heat so as to ease pain, stiffness and swelling neck, head, tooth and ear. It is also indicates for deafness and tinnitus.
Furthermore, like its neighboring point Touqiaoyin GB-11, it subdues Rebellious Lung Qi characterized by coughing, dyspnoea, chest fullness or pain.
It also opens the Channel by removing the Obstruction. For example, it is indicated for leg flaccidity or sinews contraction of the four limbs.
Classical Sources
Suwen (素问·气穴论) - Chapter on Qi Acupoints: First recorded mention of Fubai as an acupuncture point.
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经): Describes Fubai as a meeting point of Foot Taiyang (Bladder) and Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) channels, with indications for head and ear disorders.
Name interpretation: Fu (浮) means floating or superficial; Bai (白) refers to white, the color associated with the Lungs/Metal element. The name suggests that the Gallbladder channel's yang qi transforms into a gentler, cooler quality at this point, like clouds floating in the sky.
How to Locate
First locate Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12, which are the reference points for locating Fubai GB-10 and Touqiaoyin GB-11. GB-9 is 1.5 cun above the ear apex (Shuaigu GB-8) and 0.5 cun in a posterior direction. GB-12 is in a depression posterior and inferior to the mastoid process. GB-10 is at the junction of the upper and the middle third, where often a small ‘dip’ can be felt on the bone. It tends to be on the level of the apex of the ear.
Caution
Located over the temporal bone with relatively thin tissue coverage. Use transverse (subcutaneous) needling only - perpendicular insertion is not appropriate for this location. Ensure proper needle angle to avoid periosteal contact which may cause discomfort. The posterior auricular artery and vein run in this region, so gentle insertion technique is advised.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Transversely 0.5–0.8 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness around the ear region. Deqi may radiate along the side of the head toward the temporal area or down toward the mastoid process.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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