Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-12
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Head — Occipital, Ear
Location
In the depression posterior and inferior to the mastoid process.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Expels Interior Wind
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Wangu GB-12 is indicated as a local point for Liver Yang Rising. Typical manifestations are headache and dizziness.
Interior Wind agitating is also a consequence of Liver Yang Rising, characterized by head tremor, epilepsy, muscle contraction around the mouth and etc.
Finally, it is a calming effect and is frequently used to treat insomnia or manic behavior if originated from Liver Yang or Liver Fire.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
"Neck swelling making it impossible to look up or down, cheek swelling extending behind the ear—Wangu governs these." Also: "Epilepsy with sudden collapse, mania, and facial qi—Wangu and Fengchi govern these."
《铜人腧穴针灸图经》Tóngrén Shūxué Zhēnjiǔ Tújīng (Bronze Man):
"Treats headache, vexation of the heart, epilepsy, swelling of the head and face, dental caries, hemiplegia, deviation of the eye and mouth, neck pain with inability to turn, dark urination, sore throat, and cheek swelling."
《类经图翼》Lèijīng Túyì:
"Governs headache and head Wind, tinnitus, dental caries, lockjaw, deviation of the eye and mouth, sore throat, cheek swelling, goiter, dark urine, and weakness of the feet."
How to Locate
Palpate the junction of the cranium and the neck and identify the mastoid process as a cone-shaped, boney structure. Locate Wangu GB-12 in the inferior aspect of the mastoid process on the lower border posterior to the tip of the process. Both Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12 are reference points for locating Fubai GB-10 and Touqiaoyin GB-11.
Caution
The point lies over the mastoid process with the lesser occipital nerve and posterior auricular vessels nearby. Avoid aggressive manipulation. The oblique insertion should be directed inferiorly, following the contour of the mastoid bone. Do not needle deeply toward the skull base. Exercise caution in patients with mastoiditis or ear infections.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely in an inferior direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading around the mastoid region. Deqi may radiate toward the ear, occiput, or down into the neck. Some patients report a sensation of pressure or heaviness in the head.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
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