Gall Bladder Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
GB-22
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Hypochondrium, Chest
Location
On the midaxillary line, 3 cun below the apex of the axilla.
Main Actions
- Descends Lung Qi
Indications
Commentary
Yuanye GB-22 is the meeting point of the Lung, Pericardium and Heart Sinew Channel.
It is mainly used to ease pain and stiffness of the chest and costal regions along the three Yin Sinew Channels of the arm. It is because it help descending Lung Qi and open the Chest.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Yuanye is first mentioned in the Ling Shu Jing Mai chapter as a point on the Gallbladder channel pathway.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Describes the point's location and its use for chest fullness, hypochondriac pain, and arm pain. Notes moxibustion should be avoided at this point.
Name Interpretation: Yuan (渊) means 'deep abyss' or 'pool,' and Ye (腋) refers to the axilla (armpit). The name poetically describes how Qi and fluid from the Gallbladder channel descend here like water falling into a bottomless abyss. The point receives the overflow of channel Qi from Jianjing GB-21 above, which then cascades down the lateral chest.
How to Locate
Abduct the arm slightly and find the axilla apex. Measure 3 cun inferior to it in the 4th intercostal space. The 4th intercostal space is in level with the nipples, which is more obvious to identify for men. For women, it is more reliable to use manubriosternal synchondrosis as reference.
Caution
This point overlies the 4th intercostal space with the pleura and lung tissue beneath. Deep or perpendicular needling carries significant risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Always needle obliquely or transversely along the intercostal space, never perpendicularly toward the chest cavity. Keep insertion shallow (0.5-0.8 cun maximum). Several classical texts prohibit moxibustion at this location. Patients should be positioned properly with arm raised to clearly identify the point location.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely or transversely along the intercostal space. Caution: Pneumothorax
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the needling site. The sensation may spread along the intercostal space or radiate to the axillary region. Due to the proximity of intercostal nerves, some patients may experience a mild electric sensation radiating along the rib.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians