Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-7
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal
Location
Within the hairline anterior and superior to the auricle, about 1 finger-breadth (0.5 cun) anterior to Jiaosun TB-20 which is on the apex of the ear.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
- Benefits the mouth and jaw
Indications
Lockjaw
Vomiting
Headaches
Stiff neck
Swollen cheek
Eye deviation
Mouth deviation
Inability to speak
Commentary
Qubin GB-7 is not a major point comparing with other Gall Bladder Channel.
Its main function is to expel Wind in the head so as to benefit the mouth and jaw.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented this point, establishing it as the 7th point on the Gallbladder channel.
《灵枢·经脉》 (Líng Shū · Jīng Mài - Spiritual Pivot, Chapter on Channels): Describes the Bladder channel pathway noting that "from the head top it branches to the upper angle of the ear" (会曲鬓、率谷), establishing Qubin as a crossing point where the Bladder channel meets the Gallbladder channel.
Classical Indications: The point was traditionally indicated for conditions affecting the head and face, particularly headaches, swelling of the cheek, lockjaw (trismus), and infantile convulsions.
How to Locate
Locate Qubin GB-7 at a small depression within the circumauricular temporal hairline，anterior to Jiaosun TB-20 on the apex of the ear. Qubin GB-7 is located approximately at a junction between a horizontal line through the apex of the ear and a vertical line along the anterior border of the ear.
Caution
Located on the scalp in the temporal region with the superficial temporal artery and vein nearby. Use shallow, transverse insertion only - avoid deep perpendicular needling. The temporal branch of the auriculotemporal nerve runs through this area. Be mindful of the thin scalp tissue over bone when needling. This point should be needled carefully in patients on anticoagulant therapy due to proximity to temporal vessels.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 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
Local distension and heaviness in the temporal region, sometimes radiating along the hairline or toward the ear. Deqi typically manifests as a dull, spreading ache in the temporal area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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