Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-30
Ma Dan Yang Heavenly Star
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
Needle Depth
2.0–3.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Hip / Gluteal
Location
At the junction of the middle and lateral third of the distance between the great trochanter and Yaoshu DU-2 of the hiatus of the sacrum. When locating the point, put the patient in lateral recumbent position with the thigh flexed.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Resolves Dampness and expels Wind
Indications
Eczema
Fatigue
Hip pain
Sciatica
Urticaria
Hemiplegia
Itchy anus
Urethritis
Leg atrophy
Itchy groin
Wind-stroke
Leg numbness
Loose stools
Buttocks pain
Poor appetite
Outer leg pain
Knee stiffness
Blurred vision
Vaginal discharge
Commentary
Huantiao GB-30 is a major point of the Gall Bladder Channel with various functions.
First of all, it is an important local point for removing the Obstructions from the Channel. For this case, the depth of the needle should be minimum 2 inches (5 cm). The typical manifestations are pains in various places such as the hip, buttocks, the lateral side of the leg and knee.
When GB-30 is needled for sciatica, there should be an electric sensation spreading all the way to the toe. If this sensation only radiates partially down the leg, other points (Fengshi GB-31 or Yanglingquan GB-34) should be needled in addition to strengthen the effect.
Painful Obstruction Syndrome (due to Dampness or Wind) in the Channel may also lead to leg atrophy or hemiplegia, especially after a Wind-stroke. Huantiao GB-30 is able to stimulate the Qi and Blood circulation in the whole legs and strengthen the sinews.
Secondly, this point can be used to resolve Dampness and expel Wind, so as to treat skin problems such as urticaria or eczema. Its neighboring point Fengshi GB-31 has similar function but with stronger effect.
It also removes Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Typical manifestations are itchy anus or groin, vaginal discharge and urethritis.
Finally, similar to Zusanli ST-36, Huantiao GB-30 has a general Qi and Blood tonifying function of the whole body. Therefore, it can treat fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools or blurred vision.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
"Pain of the lumbar region and lateral costal region pulling and acute, spasm of the thigh sinews, pain of the lower leg that cannot be extended or flexed, painful obstruction with loss of sensation – Huantiao governs these."
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (銅人腧穴針灸圖經 - Bronze Figure Acupuncture Classic):
"Treats cold Wind-Damp painful obstruction, wind rash, unilateral Wind with hemiplegia, pain of the lumbar region and hip preventing turning to either side."
Ma Dan-yang's Heavenly Star Points Poem:
"Huantiao is found in the hip joint, treats Cold-Wind-Damp painful obstruction; Pain radiating from the hip to the calf, sighing with pain when turning over; Needle two cun deep, obtain Qi and it will surely cure."
How to Locate
The patient is recommended to be in lateral recumbent position with the thigh flexed and lower leg straight. First locate the sacral hiatus and the lateral prominence of the greater trochanter. Draw an imaginary line between these two points and locate Huantiao GB-30 on this line, one third of the distance from the greater trochanter.
Caution
The sciatic nerve lies directly beneath this point. Avoid aggressive or repeated large-amplitude lifting and thrusting manipulations to prevent nerve injury. If strong electric sensation occurs indicating direct nerve contact, withdraw the needle slightly. Use appropriate needle length (typically 3-4 inch / 75-100mm needles) for deeper muscular patients. Patient positioning is critical - standard lateral recumbent position with upper leg flexed allows proper access to the point.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
2.0–3.0 cun
Needling Directions
1.5–3 cun vertically towards the genital region. The needle may reach the fascia of the obturator internus muscle as well as intermuscular connective tissue. Long 3 cun needles (50mm) should be used. Caution: Needling is often painful. Needling can result in an electric sensation radiating to the toes. This sensation is particularly common with sciatic disorders and if GB-30 is needled 1 cun inferior to its normal location.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Strong sensation of distension and soreness locally at the hip. Characteristic deqi involves an electric or numb sensation radiating down the posterior or lateral aspect of the thigh, through the popliteal fossa, down the calf to the foot and toes. Some patients may experience sensation radiating toward the external genitalia or lower abdomen depending on needle direction.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Ma Dan Yang Heavenly Star
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