Gall Bladder Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
GB-32
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Thigh — Lateral
Location
In the lateral aspect of the thigh, 5 cun above the transverse popliteal crease.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind, Dampness and Cold
- Removes obstructions from the Channel
Commentary
Zhongdu GB-32 is not a major point of the Gall Bladder Channel. Its main function is to open the Channel by expelling Wind, Dampness and Cold. Thus it treats pain, numbness and atrophy of the leg.
Exterior Wind can also cause skin disorders such as urticaria.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經, Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): This text first documented Zhongdu GB-32, establishing its location on the lateral thigh and its primary indications for lower limb disorders.
Yixue Gangmu (醫學綱目, Compendium of Medicine): Records an alternative name "Zhongdu" (中犢, meaning "Central Calf"), reflecting historical variations in nomenclature.
How to Locate
When the patient is standing erect with the hands close to the side, Fengshi GB-31 is usually where the tip of the middle finger touches. Then measure 2 cun below GB-31 and locate Zhongdu GB-32. Or: locate the popliteal crease and Huangtiao GB-30 around the level of the highest prominence of the greater trochanter. The distance between these two reference points is about 19 cun. Draw an imaginary line between these two point and locate Zhongdu GB-32 is on this line and 5 cun above the popliteal crease.
Caution
This point lies between the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles. Use care to needle between these muscle bellies rather than directly into the muscle tissue. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve runs nearby, so patients may experience sharp sensations if the nerve is contacted. Standard perpendicular insertion is safe when proper depth is maintained.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–2 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distending and aching sensation locally on the lateral thigh, which may radiate down toward the knee or up toward the hip. Some patients experience a heavy or numb sensation spreading along the Gallbladder channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians