Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-3
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Head — Temporal, Face — Cheek, Ear
Location
In front of the ear, on the upper border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression directly above Xiaguan ST-7.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind and benefits the ear
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Shangguan GB-3 is not a major point of the Gall Bladder Channel. Its main function is to expel Wind and treat the surrounding area disorders, such as the ears, eyes, teeth, jaw lips, head and face, particularly the ear.
It is also able to remove Obstructions from the Channel.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): First recorded in the Ling Shu chapter on Ben Shu (Root Transport Points), establishing GB-3 as a regular point of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Documents that Shangguan treats "spasms and convulsions, foaming at the mouth" (瘈疭、口沫出), indicating its use for wind-related seizure disorders.
Su Wen (Simple Questions): Contains the classical prohibition against deep needling at this point, warning that it may cause internal leakage leading to deafness (禁深刺以防内漏耳聋).
Tong Ren (Bronze Figure Classic): Recommends moxibustion of 7 cones at this point.
Ming Tang (Hall of Illumination): States to needle 1 fen depth and withdraw immediately upon obtaining qi.
How to Locate
Palpate from the root of the helix along the zygomatic arch for about 1 cun towards the orbit. Place one finger above the arch and the other finger below the arch. Locate Xiaguan ST-7 when the lower finger reaches a clearly palpable depression anterior to the temporomandibular joint and posterior to the masseter muscle. Shangguan GB-3 is directly above Xiaguan ST-7 in a shallow depression of the upper finger on the superior border of the zygomatic arch.
Caution
Deep needling is strictly prohibited at this point. Classical sources warn that deep insertion may cause internal leakage leading to deafness. Branches of the temporal artery, transverse facial artery, and masseteric artery lie in this region. The zygomatico-orbital artery and vein should be avoided. Trigeminal nerve branches are also present. Use gentle, shallow insertion (0.3-0.5 cun maximum) with no strong stimulation. This is not a major point for the Gallbladder channel - use primarily for local disorders of the ear, face, and jaw.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun, no strong stimulation. Caution: Branches of the temporal, transverse facial and masseteric arteries! Traditionally, deep needling is prohibited.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness around the zygomatic arch and temple area. Sensation may radiate toward the ear, jaw, or temporal region. Avoid aggressive stimulation to prevent damage to underlying vessels.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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