Tongziliao GB-1 location
GB-1

Tongziliao GB-1

Pupil Crevice · 瞳子髎 · Tóng Zi Liáo
Gall Bladder Meridian
Entry Point

Safety Warnings

  • Dangerous point - requires extra caution
  • Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
  • Moxibustion contraindicated

Needle Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needle Angle

10-15° (Transverse), 45° (Oblique)

Body Area

Face — Periorbital

Location

Lateral to the outer canthus, in the depression on the lateral side of the orbit.

Next on channel

Tinghui GB-2

Main Actions

  • Clears Heat in the eyes
  • Expels Wind from eyes and head
  • Subdues Liver Yang and Liver Fire

Commentary

As an Eye System point, Tongziliao GB-1 is an important local point and is widely used for many eye related disorders, especially when caused by Heat from Exterior or Interior Wind. 

It also subdues Liver Fire or Liver Yang as they lead to some symptoms such as migraine headache around the temple or outer corner of the eye. 

Classical Sources

Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "Located lateral to the outer canthus of the eye, 0.5 cun from the corner." This text also identifies GB-1 as a meeting point of Hand Taiyang (Small Intestine), Hand Shaoyang (San Jiao), and Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) channels.

Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (铜人腧穴针灸图经): Classical indications include "green-blindness with inability to see, distant vision becoming dim, redness and pain at the outer canthus, and white membrane covering the eye."

Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成): Records that combining GB-1 with SI-1 Shaoze treats breast swelling in women, demonstrating the point's connection through the channel crossing.

How to Locate

From the eye's outer canthus, palpate in a lateral direction and locate Tongziliao GB-1 in a bony depression at the outer aspect of the orbit.

Caution

Located very close to the eye - requires careful, precise needling technique. Always needle with patient's eyes closed. Avoid perpendicular or deep insertion to prevent injury to the eyeball. The area contains delicate nerves (zygomatic and zygomaticotemporal branches) and blood vessels (zygomaticoorbital vessels). Transverse needling directed posteriorly toward the temple (Taiyang EX-HN-5) is the safest approach. Moxibustion is contraindicated due to proximity to the eye. If bleeding occurs, apply gentle pressure immediately.

Needle Angle

10-15° (Transverse) / 45° (Oblique)

Depth Category

Shallow

Standard Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needling Directions

0.2–0.3 cun obliquely in a posterior direction or up to 1 cun transversely towards taiyang Ex-HN-5.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Local distension and soreness around the outer eye area. Some patients may experience a mild aching sensation radiating toward the temple. Due to proximity to the eye, care should be taken and patients should keep eyes closed during needling.

Moxibustion

Contraindicated

Duration: N/A

Cupping

Contraindicated

Bloodletting

Recommended

Gua Sha

Contraindicated

Special Point Classifications

Entry Point

Related Resources

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