Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-43
Water-Shui
Spring-Ying Point
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Foot — Dorsum, Toes
Location
Between the 4th and 5th toes, proximal to the margin of the interdigital web.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Expels Damp-Heat
Indications
Tinnitus
Deafness
Ear pain
Headaches
Dizziness
Itchy ears
Breast lumps
Otitis media
Swollen limbs
Blurred vision
Foot dorsum pain
Migraine headache
Foot dorsum swelling
HypochondriaI distension
Commentary
Xiaxi GB-43 is effective in subduing Liver Yang Rising, characterized by headache, dizziness, tinnitus and blurred vision, particularly migraine headaches on the temples.
Furthermore, it expels Exterior Damp-Heat. Typical symptoms include hypochondrial fullness, breast abscess, swelling of limbs, redness, swelling and pain of the foot dorsum.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 - Ben Shu: Lists Xiaxi as the Ying-Spring point of the Gallbladder channel, where Qi "glides" along the meridian pathway like water flowing through a narrow ravine.
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Documents Xiaxi for treating headache, dizziness, palpitations, tinnitus, deafness, redness and pain of the outer canthus, cheek swelling, hypochondriac pain, knee and thigh pain, dorsal foot swelling, and malaria.
Name Interpretation: "Xia" (侠) means "pinched" or "clamped between," while "Xi" (溪) means "ravine" or "stream." The point lies between the 4th and 5th toes, like a stream flowing through a narrow valley, describing both its anatomical position and the nature of Qi flow at this location.
How to Locate
Locate the interdigital web between the 4th and 5th toes. Then locate Xiaxi GB-43 slightly proximal to the margin of the web.
Caution
Avoid excessive stimulation in patients with significant blood deficiency. The interdigital area has digital arteries and nerves; use gentle technique. Standard hygiene precautions apply for this foot location.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Up to 0.5 cun vertically or 1 cun obliquely in a proximal direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension, soreness, or numbness at the point location. Deqi may radiate along the dorsum of the foot toward the toes or proximally along the Gallbladder channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Water-Shui
Transporting Type
Spring-Ying Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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