Huantiao GB-30
Chinese: 环跳
Pinyin: Huán Tiào
Location
At the junction of the middle and lateral third of the distance between the great trochanter and Yaoshu DU-2 of the hiatus of the sacrum. When locating the point, put the patient in lateral recumbent position with the thigh flexed.
How to locate
The patient is recommended to be in lateral recumbent position with the thigh flexed and lower leg straight.
First locate the sacral hiatus and the lateral prominence of the greater trochanter. Draw an imaginary line between these two points and locate Huantiao GB-30 on this line, one third of the distance from the greater trochanter.
Main actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Resolves Dampness and expels Wind
Needling
1.5–3 cun vertically towards the genital region. The needle may reach the fascia of the obturator internus muscle as well as intermuscular connective tissue. Long 3 cun needles (50mm) should be used.
Caution: Needling is often painful. Needling can result in an electric sensation radiating to the toes. This sensation is particularly common with sciatic disorders and if GB-30 is needled 1 cun inferior to its normal location.
Commentary for Huantiao GB-30
Huantiao GB-30 is a major point of the Gall Bladder Channel with various functions.
First of all, it is an important local point for removing the Obstructions from the Channel. For this case, the depth of the needle should be minimum 2 inches (5 cm). The typical manifestations are pains in various places such as the hip, buttocks, the lateral side of the leg and knee.
When GB-30 is needled for sciatica, there should be an electric sensation spreading all the way to the toe. If this sensation only radiates partially down the leg, other points (Fengshi GB-31 or Yanglingquan GB-34) should be needled in addition to strengthen the effect.
Painful Obstruction Syndrome (due to Dampness or Wind) in the Channel may also lead to leg atrophy or hemiplegia, especially after a Wind-stroke. Huantiao GB-30 is able to stimulate the Qi and Blood circulation in the whole legs and strengthen the sinews.
Secondly, this point can be used to resolve Dampness and expel Wind, so as to treat skin problems such as urticaria or eczema. Its neighboring point Fengshi GB-31 has similar function but with stronger effect.
It also removes Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Typical manifestations are itchy anus or groin, vaginal discharge and urethritis.
Finally, similar to Zusanli ST-36, Huantiao GB-30 has a general Qi and Blood tonifying function of the whole body. Therefore, it can treat fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools or blurred vision.