Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-6
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal
Location
Within the hairline inferior to the corner of the temporal region, midway of the lower half of the distance between Touwei ST-8 and Qubing GB-7.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Xuanli GB-6 is a major local point indicated for migraine headaches caused by Liver Yang Rising, Liver Fire or Liver Wind. Typical other symptoms are dizziness or blurred vision.
Furthermore, it can treat ear pain extending to the side of the head along the Gall Bladder Channel.
Finally, it calms the Mind by opening the Mind's orifices. It is used when the patient lacks of motivation and will-power or have difficulty to speak.
Classical Sources
Jia Yi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture): Lists Xuanli for treating temporal headache, dizziness, and eye pain.
Shi Si Jing Fa Hui (Fourteen Meridian Elaboration): "Xuanli and Hanyan are meeting points of Hand and Foot Yangming and Shaoyang" (悬厘、颔厌：见足少阳经，手足阳明，少阳之交会也).
How to Locate
First, locate the two reference points: Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7. ST-8 is 4.5 cun lateral to the midline and 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, at the corner of the forehead. GB-7 is in the depression on the level of the apex of the ear (Jiaosun TB-20), within the circumauricular temporal hairline. Then divide the slightly curved line between these two points into quarters and locate GB-6 at the junction of the lower quarter with the upper three quarters.
Caution
This point is located on the temporal muscle over thin cranial bone. Use only transverse (subcutaneous) needling along the scalp. Moxibustion is contraindicated according to several modern texts. Apply gentle needling technique to avoid excessive stimulation in the sensitive temporal area.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–1.5 cun transversely, tangentially along the skull, in the direction of the occiput, back of the head or towards the disorder or pain.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or numbness spreading across the temporal region. Some patients may feel a dull ache radiating toward the ear or eye area.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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