Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-8
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
Superior to the apex of the ear, 1.5 cun within the hairline.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Indications
Commentary
Shuaigu GB-8 is a frequently used local point for Liver Yang Rising, characterized by headache, dizziness, blurred vision or heavy head.
Furthermore, Liver Yang may also lead to Interior Wind, thus causing deviation of eye or mouth.
Finally, the point is able to harmonizes the Stomach by subduing Rebellious Stomach Qi. Typical symptoms are vomiting, inability to eat or alcohol intoxication.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "When intoxicated by alcohol with wind-heat, causing bilateral eye corner pain and dizziness, inability to eat, vexation and fullness with vomiting, Shuaigu governs this."
Lei Jing Tu Yi (Illustrated Supplement to the Classified Classic): "Governs brain diseases, bilateral head corner pain, cold phlegm of the diaphragm and stomach, vexation and fullness with vomiting, post-alcohol skin wind and swelling."
Yi Zong Jin Jian (Golden Mirror of Medicine): "[Indicated for] alcohol intoxication with vomiting, phlegm dizziness."
How to Locate
Define the apex of the ear by folding the ear auricle towards the anterior so that the posterior part of the upper helix covers its anterior part. . From there, measure 1.5 cun or 2 fingerbreadths in a superior direction and palpate a bony depression there. This point can be easily felt when a chewing movement is made.
Caution
Located on the temporal region over thin scalp tissue and temporalis muscle. Use transverse (subcutaneous) insertion only. Avoid perpendicular or deep needling as the skull is relatively thin in this area. The superficial temporal artery and vein run nearby—apply gentle pressure after needle removal to prevent hematoma. Use caution in patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–1.5 cun transversely, mostly from anterior to posterior or towards the site of the pain.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or soreness in the temporal region. The sensation may radiate along the temporal area toward the forehead or vertex. Due to the scalp location, the deqi sensation is typically mild but should produce a noticeable pulling or tightness under the skin.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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