Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-39
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Lateral, Ankle
Location
3 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, in the depression on the anterior border of the fibula.
Main Actions
- Nourishes Marrow
- Expels Wind and removes Obstructions
Indications
Commentary
Xuanzhong GB-39 has various functions. As the Gathering-Hui point for Marrow, its most important one is to nourish the Marrow. In fact, it is more effective in filling the bone marrow rather than the marrow in the Brain. Thus it is able to treat chronic Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi Syndrome) on bones and sinews due to Liver and Kidney Deficiency. Many practitioners use Xuanzhong GB-39 in old people to prevent Wind-stroke.
Furthermore, it is widely used to remove obstructions from Lessor Yang Channels (Gall Bladder and Triple Burner Channel) due to Wind invasion. Both Channels run through the lateral side of the neck and Obstructions there cause neck pain and stiffness. Sometime the patients can not even turn their head from side to side.
Another function is to subdue Liver Yang Rising, characterized by headache, dizziness and stiff neck.
Classical Sources
Huangdi Neijing Suwen (Yellow Emperor's Classic - Plain Questions), Chapter on Treating Malaria:
"When there is severe aching and soreness of the leg that cannot bear pressure, this is called marrow disease of the calf. Use a lancet needle at Juegu (Xuanzhong) to let blood, and it will be immediately cured."
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture, 282 CE):
"Abdominal fullness, heat in the stomach, no desire for food - Xuanzhong governs these. Located 3 cun above the lateral malleolus at the pulsing artery, the meeting of the three foot yang channels."
Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold, 652 CE):
"For wind conditions, apply 100 moxa cones. Treats wind with heaviness of the body, heart vexation, and leg pain. Governs damp-bi, flowing swelling, hip sinew spasm, and leg pain."
Nanjing (Classic of Difficulties), Chapter 45:
Listed as one of the Eight Hui-Meeting Points: "The Hui-Meeting of Marrow is at Juegu (Xuanzhong)."
How to Locate
Identify the tip of the lateral malleolus as the reference point. Measure 3 cun from there and locate Xuanzhong GB-39 in a depression on the anterior border of the fibula.
Caution
This point lies near the superficial peroneal nerve. If the needle penetrates through the interosseous membrane, it may reach the peroneal artery and vein. Use appropriate depth control. The point is relatively safe with standard perpendicular needling at recommended depths.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness locally around the lateral ankle region. The sensation often radiates upward along the lateral leg or downward toward the ankle. When needled for neck conditions, some practitioners report patients feeling a sensation traveling up to the neck area. For its marrow-nourishing function, patients may experience a gentle warming sensation in the throat.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
Organ & Tissue Associations
Hui-Gathering Point for:
Marrow
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