Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-29
Needle Depth
1.5–2.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Hip / Gluteal
Location
Midway between the ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine) and the great trochanter, in the lateral recumbent position.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Juliao GB-29's main function is to open the Channel around hip area by removing obstructions from the Channel. Typical manifestations are sciatica as well as pain in the leg, buttocks lateral side and groin.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded this point as belonging to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel and noted its meeting with the Yang Qiao Mai.
Name Meaning: Jū (居) means "to reside" or "dwelling place," and Liáo (髎) means "bone hole" or "crevice." The name indicates that Gallbladder channel Qi gathers and resides at this point before flowing into the deeper bony structures of the hip region.
How to Locate
First palpate along the upper border of the iliac crest in an anterior and inferior direction so as to identify ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine), which is a bony ridge on the lateral aspect of the lower abdomen. Then locate the greater trochanter which is a clearly marked bony structure in the hip joint region. It is more obvious to identify when the patient lies on side with legs slightly flexed. Draw an imaginary line between these two points and locate Juliao GB-29 located at the midway.
Caution
Use caution in pregnant women due to the point's location near the pelvic region. In patients with hip replacement or significant hip joint pathology, avoid deep needling toward the joint capsule. Ensure proper patient positioning (lateral recumbent) for accurate point location and safe needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
1.5–2.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–2 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the hip joint, often radiating to the lateral thigh, buttock, and sometimes the entire hip region. Patients may experience a heavy, aching sensation that can spread along the Gallbladder channel pathway toward the knee.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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