Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-24
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3-0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Hypochondrium
Location
On the mamillary line which is 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, in the 7th intercostal space, 1 intercostal space below Qimen LIV-14.
Main Actions
- Resolves Damp-Heat
- Removes Liver Qi Stagnation
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
Indications
Commentary
Riyue GB-24 is widely used for resolving Damp-Heat in the Gall Bladder and Liver, characterized by symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness, jaundice, hypochondrial pain, nausea and a sticky yellow tongue coating. To perform this function, it is often used together with Yanglingquan GB-34 and Quchi LI-11.
It is also able to remove Liver Qi Stagnation, so as to treat distension and pain in the hypochondrium, chest, epigastrium or abdomen.
Finally, it subdues Rebellious Qi so as to harmonize the Middle Burner.
Classical Sources
Maijing (脈經): First classical source to document this point, stating: "The Gallbladder Mu point is at Riyue."
Qianjin Yaofang (千金要方): Records alternative location as "below Qimen by five fen."
Ling Shu: Indicates GB-24 (Front-Mu) combined with BL-19 (Back-Shu) for treating frequent indecisiveness, relating to Gallbladder's function in decision-making.
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing: Documents this as a crossing point of Foot Taiyin (Spleen), Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder), and Yang Wei Mai.
How to Locate
The nipple is normally on the level of the 4th intercostal space. From there, count downwards to the 7th intercostal space and locate Riyue GB-24 on the mamillary line.
Caution
Located in the 7th intercostal space directly over the pleural cavity. Deep or perpendicular needling is strictly contraindicated as it may puncture the lung and cause pneumothorax. On the right side, the liver lies beneath; on the left, the stomach. Always needle obliquely along the intercostal space, directing the needle laterally. Use shallow depth (0.3-0.5 cun maximum). Exercise extra caution with thin patients who have less protective tissue.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3-0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.8 cun obliquely in a lateral direction along the intercostal space. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Localized distension and soreness spreading through the intercostal space. Deqi may radiate along the hypochondrium toward the lateral abdomen or upper back. Due to its location as the Front-Mu point of the Gallbladder, the sensation is often mild and diffuse rather than sharp.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5-15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Organ & Tissue Associations
Front-Mu Point for:
Gallbladder
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