Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-5
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal
Location
Within the hairline of the temporal region, midway of the line connecting Touwei ST-8 and Qubin GB-7.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Expels Interior Wind
Indications
Commentary
Xuanlu GB-5 is the most important point of the Eye System group, as it communicates with the brain directly. It is widely used to treat temporal headaches due to Liver Yang Rising.
Furthermore, Liver Yang may lead to Liver Wind agitating, characterized by convulsions, spasticity and aphasia.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经, Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists GB-5 Xuanlu as a meeting point of the Gallbladder, San Jiao (Triple Burner), and Stomach channels, establishing its role in treating conditions affecting multiple yang meridians of the head.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成, Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records GB-5's primary indications for migraine, pain at the outer canthus of the eye, facial swelling, and toothache, emphasizing its local effects on the temporal region.
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 into two and locate GB-5 at the junction in the middle.
Caution
This point is located on the temporal region where the temporal artery and auriculotemporal nerve branch are present. Use shallow transverse insertion only—deep perpendicular needling is contraindicated due to the thin skull bone in this area. Take care with patients on anticoagulant therapy as superficial bruising may occur more easily in the highly vascular scalp region.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 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 and heaviness at the temporal region, with possible radiation toward the eye, ear, or across the temple. The deqi sensation is typically mild due to the shallow insertion required at this location.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
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