Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-14
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Forehead, Face — Periorbital
Location
On the forehead, 1 cun above the midpoint of the eyebrow, approximately at the junction of the upper two-thirds and lower third of the vertical line draw from the anterior hairline to the eyebrow.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Expels Wind
- Benefits the eyes
Indications
Myopia
Eye pain
Headaches
Dizziness
Tearfulness
Opisthotonos
Eye deviation
Mouth deviation
Eyelids itching
Eyelids drooping
Facial paralysis
Eyelids twitching
Diminished night vision
Commentary
Yangbai GB-14 is a major local point for subduing Liver Yang Rising, characterized by headache and dizziness along the Gall Bladder Channel in the head.
Liver Yang can also trigger Interior Wind in the head. Yangbai GB-14 is able to expel this Wind from the face and head. Thus it is indicated for facial paralysis, deviation of eye and mouth, drooping or twitching of eyelid and etc.
Many neighboring points are also able to treat facial paralysis. The choice of the points should depend on the the exact place of the facial paralysis. For example, if the patients can not form ridges on the forehead by raising the eyebrows, Yangbai GB-14 should be needled.
Finally, GB-14 is able to benefit the eyes. Typical symptoms are itching of eyelid, eye pain, lacrimation on exposure to wind, diminished night vision or myopia.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayijing, The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Yangbai is located one cun above the eyebrow, directly above the pupil." This text first documented the point and its precise location.
《备急千金要方》 (Beiji Qianjin Yaofang, Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Indicates the point for "eye pupil pain and itching, weak distant vision, and inability to see in dim light at night."
《类经图翼》 (Leijing Tuyi, Illustrated Supplement to the Classified Classic): Documents efficacy for headache and blurred vision.
How to Locate
With the patient looking straight ahead, Yangbai GB-14 is located on the pupil line. On the pupil line, palpate from the anterior hairline in an inferior direction, past the frontal eminence, and locate GB-14 at the deepest point between the frontal eminence and the superciliary arch. Divide the distance between the midpoint of the eyebrow and the anterior hairline to three. Yangbai GB-14 is located one third of the distance or 1 cun superior to the midpoint of the eyebrow.
Caution
The forehead area has relatively thin tissue overlying the frontal bone. Transverse or subcutaneous needling is recommended rather than perpendicular insertion. Avoid overly aggressive manipulation to prevent bruising, as the supraorbital artery and vein run nearby. The frontal nerve (branch of trigeminal nerve) is in the vicinity—gentle technique prevents nerve irritation. Not suitable for cupping due to the bony contour and thin tissue.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–1 cun transversely towards the center of the eyebrow or towards the site of the pain. Or pinch the skin between the thumb and index finger so that a skin fold forms. Insert the needle subcutaneously into this fold, directing it towards the site of the pain.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness over the forehead. The sensation may spread toward the eyebrow or over the frontal region. With transverse insertion, patients often report a pulling or stretching feeling in the frontalis muscle area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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