Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-25
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Hypochondrium, Back — Lower (Lumbar)
Location
On the lateral side of the abdomen, on the lower border of the free end of the 12th rib.
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Kidneys and regulates the water passages
- Fortifies the Spleen and regulates the Intestines
- Strengthens the lower back
Indications
Diarrhea
Hip pain
Dark Urine
Borborygmi
Abdominal pain
Lower back pain
Urinary difficulty
Abdominal distension
Lateral costal region pain
Commentary
Jingmen GB-25 is the Front Collecting-Mu point of the Kidneys. It means the Kidney Qi gathers and concentrates here.
Its main function is to link the Kidneys and the Spleen. If the mutual support between these two Organ breaks, Kidney's water passage regulating and the Spleen's digesting function will be impaired.
Furthermore, it strengthens the lower back as well, characterized by lower backache, inability to stand for long, pain in the lateral costal region and back, hip pain.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》Zhenjiu Jiayijing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture):
"腰痛不可久立仰俯，京门及行间主之。" (Low back pain with inability to stand long or bend forward and backward is treated by Jingmen and Xingjian.)
《类经图翼》Lei Jing Tu Yi:
"肠鸣洞泄，水道不利，少腹急痛，寒热胀，肩背腰髀引痛，不得俛仰久立。" (Intestinal rumbling with watery diarrhea, water passage obstruction, urgent lower abdominal pain, alternating chills and fever with distension, radiating pain from shoulder to back, lumbar region and thigh, inability to bend or stand long.)
《脉经》Mai Jing (Classic of the Pulse):
First recorded this point as a Kidney Mu (Front-Collecting) point, establishing its importance in diagnosing and treating Kidney disorders.
How to Locate
Glide the finger along the lower border of the ribcage until reaching the free end of the 11th rib, which is superior to the umbilicus. Continues palpating one rib down and find the free end of the 12th rib on the lateral aspect of the waist and locate Jingmen GB-25 there.
Caution
Deep needling is contraindicated as this point lies over the peritoneal cavity. In thin patients, even moderate depth may penetrate internal structures. Needle with caution, using oblique or shallow perpendicular insertion. The 11th and 12th intercostal nerves and vessels run in this area. Avoid vigorous manipulation. The point location can be difficult to access due to its position on the lateral-posterior aspect of the torso.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 0.3–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum. The needle should be inserted into the obliquus externus or internus muscles.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distending or aching sensation locally around the lateral waist region, possibly radiating toward the lower back or abdomen. In patients with Kidney deficiency, the point may be tender even before needling.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Organ & Tissue Associations
Front-Mu Point for:
Kidneys
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