Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-44
Metal-Jin
Well-Jing Point
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Toes
Location
On the lateral side of the 4th toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Gallbladder channel
- Benefits the head, eyes, and ears
- Subdues Liver Yang rising
- Calms the Spirit (Shen)
- Opens the orifices (sensory openings)
- Benefits the lateral costal region
- Disperses Wind and Fire
- Revives consciousness in acute conditions
- Clears channel Heat
Indications
Anxiety
Red eyes
Eye pain
Insomnia
Headaches
Dizziness
Nightmares
Somnolence
Eye swelling
Blurred vision
Outer canthus pain
Commentary
Zuqiaoyin GB-44 is widely used for subduing Liver Yang, in order to ease migraine headache around the eyes.
It also clears Heat and brightens the eye. Typical symptoms include outer canthus pain as well as redness, swelling and pain of the eye.
Finally, by subduing Liver Yang or Liver Fire, it calms the Mind. Therefore, it treats manifestations such as insomnia, anxiety or somnolence.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Lists GB-44 among points for treating headache, eye pain, deafness, and dream-disturbed sleep.
Ling Shu (靈樞 - Spiritual Pivot): Describes the Jing-Well points as the origin of channel Qi, where treatment strongly influences the spirit and can revive consciousness. States that Well points treat conditions of the upper orifices.
Nan Jing (難經 - Classic of Difficulties): Establishes GB-44 as the Metal point on the Wood channel (Gallbladder), making it the 'Child' or reducing point according to Five Phase relationships.
How to Locate
Zuqiaoyin GB-44 is at the junction of the two tangents along the proximal and lateral borders of the 4th toe.
Caution
This is a Well-Jing point located at the tip of the toe with minimal tissue depth. Needle superficially only (0.1-0.2 cun). The area is sensitive and patients may find needling uncomfortable. Bloodletting by pricking is the most common technique used at this point. Ensure proper sterilization when performing bloodletting. Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulant therapy.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needling Directions
0.1 cun vertically or 0.2 cun obliquely in a proximal direction or prick to bleed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Sharp, pricking sensation at the needle site. Due to the superficial location near the nail, sensation is typically localized with possible mild distension or warmth. When pricked to bleed, immediate relief of head symptoms may be felt.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Metal-Jin
Transporting Type
Well-Jing Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
Special Point Classifications
Exit Point
Related Resources
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