Gall Bladder Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
GB-23
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Hypochondrium, Chest
Location
1 cun anterior to Yuanye GB-22, approximately level with the nipple.
Main Actions
- Opens the chest
Indications
Asthma
Sighing
Sadness
Dyspnoea
Scrofula
Arm pain
Insomnia
Vomiting
Shoulder pain
Regurgitation
Chest fullness
Lateral costal region pain
Spitting up bitter or sour fluids
Commentary
Zhejin GB-23 is not a major point of the Gall Bladder Channel. Its main function is to open the chest and descend Rebellious Qi.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture): Lists Zhejin among points for treating chest fullness, hypochondriac pain, and respiratory conditions affecting the lateral thorax.
Regarding moxibustion contraindication: Several classical sources note that moxibustion is contraindicated at this point, likely due to its location over the intercostal space and proximity to vital structures.
How to Locate
Abducting the arm slightly and find the axilla apex. Then measure 3 cun inferior to it in the 4th intercostal space and locate Yuanye GB-22. 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. Zhejin GB-23 is 1 cun anterior to Yuanye GB-22.
Caution
This point is located over the pleural cavity in the 4th intercostal space. Deep or perpendicular needling carries significant risk of pneumothorax. Always use oblique or transverse insertion along the intercostal space, directing the needle away from the thoracic cavity. Avoid aggressive manipulation. Patient positioning (side-lying with arm raised) helps improve access and safety. Classical sources contraindicate moxibustion at this location.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely or transversely along the 4th intercostal space. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the lateral chest wall. Sensation may radiate along the intercostal space or toward the hypochondrium. Due to the sensitive nature of this area, strong stimulation should be avoided.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A
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