Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-11
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal, Head — Occipital, Ear
Location
Posterior and superior to the mastoid process, on the line connecting Tianchong GB-9， Fubai GB-10 and Wangu GB-12.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Brightens the sense orifices
Indications
Eye pain
Ear pain
Tinnitus
Deafness
Headaches
Dizziness
Stiff neck
Bleeding tongue
Tongue stiffness
Bitter taste in the mouth
Commentary
Touqiaoyin GB-11 is mainly used as a local point to subdue Liver Yang Rising or Liver Fire, characterized by pain behind the ear, headache, dizziness or stiff neck.
It also benefits the sense orifices such as the eyes, ears or tongue.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Headache extending to the neck, Qiaoyin governs it. Carbuncles and sores, Qiaoyin governs it."
Qianjin Yaofang (備急千金要方 - Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "Qiaoyin and Qiangjian treat headache like being pierced with an awl, unable to move."
Zhenjiu Dacheng (針灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Governs convulsions of the four limbs, eye pain, head and neck pain extending to the ear with tinnitus, deafness, bleeding from tongue base, bone taxation, carbuncles and sores, fever in hands and feet, inability to sweat, tongue stiffness, rib pain, cough, throat obstruction, bitter taste in mouth."
How to Locate
First locate Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12, which are the reference points for locating Fubai GB-10 and Touqiaoyin GB-11. GB-9 is 1.5 cun above the ear apex (Shuaigu GB-8) and 0.5 cun in a posterior direction. GB-12 is in a depression posterior and inferior to the mastoid process. GB-11 is at the junction of the middle and the lower third, where often a small ‘dip’ can be felt on the bone.
Caution
Located over the temporal bone behind the mastoid process. Use transverse or oblique needling only - avoid perpendicular deep insertion. The area has thin tissue over bone, so be careful with needle manipulation. Patient positioning (seated or lying on side) is important for proper access and comfort.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Transversely 0.5–0.8 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness radiating around the mastoid region. Some patients may feel a dull ache extending toward the ear or occiput. Deqi typically manifests as a localized heaviness behind the ear.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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