GB-4

Hanyan GB-4

Jaw Serenity · 颔厌 · Hàn Yàn

Gall Bladder Meridian

Safety Warnings

Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only

Needle Depth

0.5–1.5 cun

Needle Angle

10-15° (Transverse)

Body Area

Head — Temporal

Location

Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the upper half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.

Previous on channel

Shangguan GB-3

Next on channel

Xuanlu GB-5

Main Actions

Subdues Liver Yang Rising
Expels Interior Wind

Indications

Lockjaw Epilepsy Headaches Dizziness Convulsions Eye deviation Blurred vision Mouth deviation

Commentary

Hanyan GB-4 is often indicated for headaches caused by Liver Yang Rising. Typical manifestations are headache, dizziness and blurred vision.

Furthermore, Liver Yang may lead to Liver Wind agitating, characterized by convulsions, lockjaw, epilepsy as well as deviation of eye and mouth.

Classical Sources

Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Lists GB-4 among the points of the Gallbladder channel on the head.

Investigation of Points Along the Channels (Ming Dynasty): Yan Zheng-shi recommended Hanyan GB-4 specifically for head wind with pain at both Taiyang points.

One Hundred Symptoms: Combines GB-4 with Xuanlu GB-5 for one-sided headache.

Thousand Ducat Formulas: Combines GB-4 with Qianding DU-21 and Houding DU-19 for wind dizziness and one-sided headache.

How to Locate

First, locate the two reference points: Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7. ST-8 is 4.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, at the corner of the forehead. GB-7 is in the depression on the level of the apex of the ear (Jiaosun TB-20), within the circumauricular temporal hairline. Then divide the slightly curved line between these two points into quarters and locate GB-4 at the junction of the upper quarter with the lower three quarters. Generally, GB-4 is located at the anterior portion of the temporalis muscle, which can be felt when chewing.

Caution

Located in the temporal region over the temporalis muscle. Use only transverse (subcutaneous) needling technique, directing the needle posteriorly along the scalp or toward the area of pain. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion. This point is generally needled only when tender upon palpation. The temporal region has relatively thin tissue over bone.

Needle Angle

10-15° (Transverse)

Depth Category

Shallow

Standard Depth

0.5–1.5 cun

Needling Directions

0.3–1.5 cun transversely, tangentially along the skull, in the direction of the occiput, back of the head or towards the disorder or pain.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Localized distending sensation or mild ache in the temporal region. Deqi may radiate along the temporalis muscle toward the jaw or across the forehead. The sensation is typically mild to moderate due to shallow needling in this area.