Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-35
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Lateral
Location
7 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, on the posterior border of the fibula, within the distance between the tip of the external malleolus and Yanglingquan GB-34. It is also at the same level as Waiqiu GB-36.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Yangjiao GB-35's main function is to open the Channel by removing the Obstructions due to Coldness invasion. Therefore, it is able to treat pain, stiffness, swelling or even atrophy of the lower legs or knees.
It can also be used as a distal point to resolve Qi Stagnation in the hypochondrium and lateral costal region.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經, Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded this point, listing alternative names Bieyang (別陽) and Zuqiao (足髎). Described its location 7 cun above the lateral malleolus on the posterior border of the fibula.
Point Name Meaning: Yang (陽) refers to the lateral/yang aspect of the leg; Jiao (交) means intersection or crossing, referring to where this point crosses or meets with the Bladder meridian and serves as an intersection point of the Gallbladder channel with the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel).
How to Locate
First locate Yanglingquan GB-34 in the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. Then locate the highest prominence of the lateral malleolus. Yangjiao GB-35 is at the midpoint between these two reference points, on the posterior border of the fibula. Waiqiu GB-36 is at the same level, but on the anterior border of the fibula.
Caution
Be careful to distinguish this point from GB-36 Waiqiu which is at the same level but on the anterior border of the fibula. Avoid excessive stimulation in patients with blood deficiency or those who are weak.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness locally, with possible radiation down the lateral aspect of the lower leg toward the ankle. Some patients may feel numbness or electrical sensation along the Gallbladder channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes; 3–5 moxa cones
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
Related Resources
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