Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-37
Luo-Connecting Point
Needle Depth
0.7–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Lateral
Location
5 cun directly above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.
Main Actions
- Benefits the eyes
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Myopia
Eye pain
Red eyes
Leg pain
Headaches
Knee pain
Eye itching
Leg atrophy
Swollen eyes
Leg numbness
Blurred vision
Diminished night vision
Bitter taste in the mouth
Commentary
Guangming GB-37's most important function is to benefit the eyes, improve eyesight and eliminates 'floaters' in the eyes, despite of being a distal point.
It is particularly effective in treating eye disorders caused by Liver Fire Rising as it is able to drive the Fire downwards.
Furthermore, Guangming GB-37, like many of its neighboring points, can open the Channel by removing the Obstructions. Therefore it is able to treat pain, numbness or even atrophy on the knees or lower legs.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Divine Pivot), Chapter 10 - Jing Mai:
"The Luo-connecting vessel of Foot Shaoyang is called Guangming. It separates 5 cun above the ankle, connects with Foot Jueyin [Liver], and descends to network the dorsum of the foot. When excess, there is reversal cold; when deficient, there is atrophy and inability to stand from sitting. Take the point where it separates."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
"When deficient, there is atrophy and inability to rise from sitting; when excess, there is reversal cold, heat in the lower leg, knee pain, insensitivity of the body, one hand or foot smaller than the other, tendency to bite the cheeks - Guangming treats these."
Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold):
"Main indications: knee pain, heat in the lower leg, inability to walk, one hand or foot smaller than the other."
How to Locate
First locate Yanglingquan GB-34 in the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. Then locate the highest prominence of the lateral malleolus. Identify the midpoint of these two reference points and measure 2 cun in a distal direction. Locate Guangming GB-37 in a depression in this level on the anterior border of the fibula. GB-37 is about 5 cun above the tip of the lateral malleolus.
Caution
The superficial peroneal nerve passes through this area and can become entrapped in the fascia, potentially causing paresthesia into the Gallbladder and Stomach channels of the foot. While not dangerous, practitioners should be aware of this anatomical feature. Standard needling technique and depth are safe; no special precautions required beyond normal practice.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.7–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the point, with possible propagation downward toward the dorsum of the foot. Some patients may experience a sensation traveling along the Gallbladder channel. Due to the superficial peroneal nerve passing through this area, some patients may feel tingling or numbness radiating to the lateral lower leg and foot dorsum.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Luo-Connecting Point
Related Resources
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