Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-33
Safety Warnings
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Knee, Thigh — Lateral
Location
When the knee is flexed, Xiyangguan GB-33 is above Yanglingguan GB-34, in the depression between the shaft of the lateral epicondyle and the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Expels Dampness and Wind
Indications
Commentary
Xiyangguan GB-33 is mainly used to open Channel by removing the painful Obstruction on the knees, particularly on the lateral side of the knee. It can treat redness, swelling, pain, stiffness and numbness on the knee, especially the ligaments and tendons of the area.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經): First textual reference to this point, originally named simply Yangguan (Yang Gate).
Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (備急千金要方): Named this point Guanyang and Guanling, noting its location and function for knee disorders.
Lei Jing Tu Yi (類經圖翼): "Treats wind-bi syndrome with numbness, cold pain of the thigh and knee, inability to flex and extend."
Su Wen - Bone Cavity Chapter: Zhang Jiebin's commentary refers to this point as Han Fu (Cold Mansion), indicating its tendency to accumulate pathogenic cold.
How to Locate
Xiyangguan GB-33 is best located with the patient’s knee flexed. On the level of the lateral upper border of the patella, palpate in a lateral direction towards the thigh and palpate for the distal end of the lateral epicondyle of the femur. Then locate GB-33 in a clearly palpable depression between the epicondyle and the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle. The latter runs along the lateral aspect of the leg, along the line of an imaginary trouser seam, and attaches inferior to the knee joint at the head of the fibula.
Caution
Moxibustion is traditionally contraindicated at this point. Some classical sources indicate that pathogenic cold tends to concentrate at this location, making it important to dispel cold through needling rather than adding heat with moxa. Ensure proper needle angle to avoid the lateral superior genicular artery and vein. In patients with knee inflammation, use gentle technique.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–2 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the lateral knee joint. Deqi sensation may radiate along the lateral thigh upward or down toward the lower leg along the Gallbladder channel pathway. Some patients report a warm or tingling sensation spreading through the knee joint.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A - Moxibustion contraindicated
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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