Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-41
Wood-Mu
Stream-Shu Point
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Foot — Dorsum
Location
In the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the foot.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Qi Stagnation
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Resolves Damp-Heat and regulates the Girdle Vessel
- Benefits the breasts
- Clears Heat from the Gall Bladder Channel
- Removes obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Zulingqi GB-41 is an important point of Gall Bladder Channel. First of all, it is indispensable to dissolve Liver Qi Stagnation, characterized by hypochondrial distension and pain as well as chest fullness.
Furthermore, it subdues Liver Yang. Typical manifestations are headache, dizziness or blurred vision.
As the opening point of the Girdle Vessel, it is widely used to regulate Girdle Vessel by resolving Damp-Heat in the genital region. Thus it treats leukorrhoea, cystitis and urethritis
It benefits the female breasts by removing distension, pain, lumps and abscess in the breasts.
It clears Heat in the Gall Bladder Channel and works as a distal point for many eye disorders. Typical symptoms include red, swollen, painful or dry eyes as well as pain in the outer canthus.
Finally Zulingqi GB-41 removes the Obstruction from the Channel that are caused by Dampness invasion. It often used to treat pain, swelling in the hip, lower legs, toes or feet dorsum.
Classical Sources
《黄帝内经灵枢·本输》 (Ling Shu - Spiritual Pivot): First documented this point as "临泣" (Linqi), establishing it as the Shu-Stream point of the Gallbladder channel.
《圣济总录》 (Sheng Ji Zong Lu): First named this point "足临泣" (Zu Linqi / Foot Linqi) to distinguish it from 头临泣 (Tou Linqi / Head Linqi, GB-15).
《针灸大成》 (Zhen Jiu Da Cheng - Great Compendium of Acupuncture): "乳肿痛，足临泣" - For breast swelling and pain, use Zulinqi.
《针灸图翼》 (Zhen Jiu Tu Yi): "主治胸满气喘，目眩心痛，缺盆中及腋下马刀疡，痹痛无常" - Main indications include chest fullness, asthma, dizziness, heart pain, scrofula in the supraclavicular fossa and axilla, and wandering bi-pain.
《医宗金鉴》 (Yi Zong Jin Jian): "中风手足举动难，麻痛发热，筋拘挛，头风肿痛连腮项，眼赤而疼合头眩" - For wind-stroke with difficulty moving limbs, numbness and pain with fever, sinew contracture, headache and swelling extending to cheeks and neck, red painful eyes with dizziness.
《标幽赋》 (Biao You Fu): "阳跷阳维并督带，主肩背腰腿在表之病" - The Yang Qiao, Yang Wei, Du and Dai [through their confluent points including Zulinqi] govern disorders of the exterior: shoulder, back, lumbar and leg conditions.
How to Locate
Palpate for the distinct tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal bone on the lateral aspect of the midfoot. With the palpating finger, glide on from the tuberosity to the dorsum of the foot, into the groove between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones. Zulingqi GB-41 is located at the junction of the heads and the shafts of the two bones. Or: Abduct their toes so that the branch of the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus muscle extending to the little toe becomes more pronounced. Then palpate in the groove between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones from distal to proximal to where the tendon crosses the groove. Diwuhui GB-42 is located medial or anterior to it, while Zulingqi GB-41 is located in the depression lateral or posterior to the tendon.
Caution
Use caution during pregnancy due to the point's strong effect on moving Qi and its connection to the Dai Mai, which influences the lower abdomen and reproductive organs. Avoid excessive stimulation unless indicated for specific conditions under professional guidance. The area contains dorsal foot veins and tendons; ensure precise needling to avoid the extensor digitorum longus tendon.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Perpendicularly or obliquely approximately 0.3–0.8 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Localized distension and soreness at the point. Deqi may radiate along the dorsum of the foot toward the toes, or proximally along the lateral aspect of the leg. Some patients report a sensation extending toward the hypochondrium or lateral chest area, reflecting the channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Wood-Mu
Transporting Type
Stream-Shu Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
Extraordinary Vessel Connection
Confluent Point opens to:
Dai Mai (帶脈)
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