Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-9
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal
Location
Posterior and superior to the auricle, about 0.5 cun posterior to Shuaigu GB-8.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Expels Interior Wind
- Calms the Mind
- Resolves Dampness and Heat from the head
Indications
Fear
Tetany
Goitre
Ataxia
Tinnitus
Epilepsy
Headaches
Dizziness
Toothache
Hypomania
Itchy ears
Convulsions
Palpitations
Painful gums
Swelling gums
Manic behavior
Muscle contraction
Commentary
Tianchong GB-9 is a major point of the Gall Bladder Channel.
One of its most important function is to subdues the rising of Liver Yang, Liver Fire, Liver Wind or Rebellious Qi. Typical manifestations are tinnitus, dizziness and headache (especially migraine headaches).
Liver Yang Rising can cause Interior Wind agitating and thus lead to symptoms such as convulsions, epilepsy or contraction of muscles.
Furthermore, it has a powerful calming effect and it is able to treat serious mental disorders such as hypomania.
When combined with Xuanlu GB-5, Quchi LI-11 and Yanglingquan GB-34, it can treat the inability to move such as ataxia or inability to speak originating from a central nerve system diseases.
Finally, it expels Damp-Heat from the head. Thus it is able to treat symptoms such as itchy ears, toothache, swelling and pain of gums or goitre.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (灵枢经): GB-9 Tianchong is first mentioned in the Ling Shu chapter on the channels, establishing it as part of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder meridian pathway on the head.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (针灸甲乙经): Recorded as 'located above the ear, entering the hairline,' with indications for head pain and convulsive disorders. Notes it as a meeting point of the Foot Taiyang (Bladder) and Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) channels.
Qian Jin Yao Fang (千金要方): Sun Simiao records this point under the alternative name 'Tianqu' (天衢), meaning 'Celestial Pathway,' describing its function for dispersing qi to all parts of the head.
How to Locate
Locate Shuaigu GB-8 which is located 1.5 cun above the ear apex. From there, measure 0.5 cun in a posterior direction and locate Tianchong GB-9. Both Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12 are reference points for locating Fubai GB-10 and Touqiaoyin GB-11.
Caution
Located on the scalp where tissue is thin over the skull. Use only transverse (subcutaneous) needling technique directed along the scalp, never perpendicular. The posterior auricular artery and vein run nearby, so observe for any local bleeding. In patients with thin scalps or elderly patients, use gentler insertion techniques.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1.5 cun transversely towards the occiput or the site of the pain.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and heaviness locally at the point site. Some patients may experience a radiating sensation toward the occiput or temporal region. The deqi is typically mild due to the shallow insertion in the scalp area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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