Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-40
Wood-Mu
Yuan-Source Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Ankle, Foot — Dorsum
Location
Anterior and inferior to the external malleolus, in the depression on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle that goes to the little toe.
Main Actions
- Resolves Liver Qi Stagnation
- Clears Heat in the Gall Bladder
Indications
Commentary
Qiuxu GB-40 is mostly used to remove Liver Qi Stagnation, characterized by hypochondrial distension, sighing, depression or moodiness.
Furthermore, it clears Heat in the Gall Bladder, so as to ease swelling, redness and pain of the eye, headache as well as bitter taste in the mouth.
Some practitioners say that GB-40 is very effective in treating mental disorders as it stimulates the ‘coming and going’ of the Ethereal Soul when the patient is depressed. In the case of Gall Bladder Deficiency, the patients can be depressed or timid. They have difficulties in making decision and lack a sense of direction and purpose in life. Qiuxu GB-40 is one of the best point to strengthen the Gall Bladder on the mental function.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): First documented the location of Qiuxu as "anterior and inferior to the external malleolus, in the depression."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records indications including: "Blurred vision, chills, eye opacity, pain in the lumbar region and both flanks, sore legs, muscle cramping, chills and fever with neck swelling, large hernia with abdominal hardness, chest fullness with sighing, atrophy-cold of the feet with inability to move ankle, inability to rise from sitting, hip and leg disorders, and manic disorders."
Yi Xin Fang (Prescriptions from the Heart of Medicine): Lists indications as: "Chest and hypochondriac pain, sighing, chest fullness, chills, hip and leg disorders, eye opacity, pain in both flanks."
How to Locate
Flex the ankle at 90° for easier location of the point. From the lateral malleolus, glide the palpating finger into a well-defined depression anterior and inferior to the malleolus. Qiuxu GB-40 is located at the junction of a vertical line along the anterior border of the lateral malleolus and a horizontal line along its lower border. Lifting the toes so that the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus muscle and the depression of GB-40 becomes more pronounced.
Caution
Avoid excessive needle manipulation near the ankle ligaments and tendons. The extensor digitorum longus tendon lies medial to this point. Care should be taken in patients with ankle instability or recent sprains. Standard needle insertion depth is adequate; deep needling is generally unnecessary for this location.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1.5 cun vertically or slightly obliquely in the area of the fibulotarsal ligaments towards the medial arch of the foot.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension around the ankle area. Deqi may radiate along the lateral aspect of the foot toward the toes or proximally along the Gallbladder channel. Some patients experience a spreading sensation toward the ankle joint.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Wood-Mu
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
Special Point Classifications
Yuan-Source Point
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