Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-15
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Forehead
Location
Directly above Yangbai GB-14, on the pupil line, 0.5 cun within the hairline, midway between Shenting DU-24 and Touwei ST-8.
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Expels Interior Wind
- Benefits the eyes
Indications
Sadness
Epilepsy
Red eyes
Headaches
Dizziness
Wind-stroke
Tearfulness
Mood swings
Eyebrow pain
Blurred vision
Outer canthus pain
Impaired consciousness
Commentary
Toulingqi GB-15 has a powerful and deep effect on mental and emotional disorders. It is very useful in stopping pensive or obsessive thoughts. It is also widely used to stop mood swings between low and high spirit.
It subdues Liver Yang Rising as well, characterized by headache and dizziness.
Furthermore, the Rising Liver Yang may also trigger Interior Wind. Typical manifestations are wind-stroke, epilepsy and impaired consciousness.
Finally it benefits the eyes.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "临泣，当目上眦直入发际上五分陷者中" — Linqi is located directly above the outer canthus, 0.5 cun within the hairline, in a depression.
《类经图翼》 Lèi Jīng Tú Yì (Illustrated Supplement to the Classified Classic): "主治鼻塞，目眩生翳，眵曦冷泪，眼目诸疾，惊痫反视，卒暴中风不识人" — Main indications include nasal obstruction, dizziness with eye film, watery eyes, various eye diseases, convulsions with upward gazing eyes, and sudden wind-stroke with unconsciousness.
How to Locate
With the patient looking straight ahead, Toulingqi GB-15 is located on the pupil line and 0.5 cun superior to the anterior hairline. Pupil line is 2.25 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Or: Draw an imaginary line between Shenting DU-24 and Touwei ST-8. Divide the line into two and locate Touingqi GB-15 in the midway.
Caution
This point is on the forehead where the skull is relatively thin. Use transverse insertion only; perpendicular needling is not recommended. The needle should be inserted into the subcutaneous layer into the loose tissue adjacent to the bone. Pregnant women should use this point with caution according to classical sources.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Transversely 0.3–0.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness at the forehead. Sensation may radiate toward the eyes or across the forehead. Some patients report a mild aching sensation that extends toward the temporal region. Pressing the nasal area during needling may produce an acidic sensation in the nasal cavity.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
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