Gall Bladder Channel

Shangguan GB-3

Chinese: 上关

Pinyin: Shàng Guān

Location

In front of the ear, on the upper border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression directly above Xiaguan ST-7. 

How to locate

Palpate from the root of the helix along the zygomatic arch for about 1 cun towards the orbit. 

Place one finger above the arch and the other finger below the arch. Locate Xiaguan ST-7 when the lower finger reaches  a clearly palpable depression anterior to the temporomandibular joint and posterior to the masseter muscle. 

Shangguan GB-3 is directly above Xiaguan ST-7 in a shallow depression of the upper finger on the superior border of the zygomatic arch. 

Main actions

  1. Expels Wind and benefits the ear
  2. Removes Obstructions from the Channel

Indications

Deafness Tinnitus Face pain Toothache Headaches Hemiplegia Ear discharge Lip stiffness Blurred vision Aversion to cold Aversion to wind

Needling

Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun, no strong stimulation.

Caution: Branches of the temporal, transverse facial and masseteric arteries!

Traditionally, deep needling is prohibited.

Commentary for Shangguan GB-3

Shangguan GB-3 is not a major point of the Gall Bladder Channel. Its main function is to expel Wind and treat the surrounding area disorders, such as the ears, eyes, teeth, jaw lips, head and face, particularly the ear. 

It is also able to remove Obstructions from the Channel.