Gallbladder Meridian
The "official of decision" — a zigzag down the side of the body and the longest yang meridian.
Pathway
The Gallbladder meridian begins at the outer canthus at GB-1 Tongziliao, zigzags across the side of the head in a series of curves, descends the neck and shoulder, and enters the supraclavicular fossa. Internally it connects with the liver and gallbladder, then descends through the abdomen and hip.
It continues along the side of the body and the lateral leg, passes the ankle, and ends at the lateral side of the fourth toe at GB-44 Zuqiaoyin. With 44 points it is the longest yang meridian.
Role in TCM theory
- The official of decision (決斷之官) — The Suwen calls the gallbladder the official of decision, traditionally associated with decisiveness and courage.
- Wood pair with the Liver — Gallbladder and liver share the Wood element and are described as interior–exterior partners; the tradition links them with the smooth flow of qi.
- The side-of-body channel — Its long lateral path makes it central to traditional work on the side of the head, neck, ribs, and hip.
- A channel of the night — Peaking at 11 pm–1 am, it is the first channel of the traditional sleep period. Classical advice is to be asleep before the window begins.
Common acupoints on the Gallbladder meridian
| Point | Name | Location | Traditional use |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB-20 | Fengchi (風池) | In the depression below the occiput, between the upper attachments of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | The "wind pool"; classically used for head, neck, and eye discomfort |
| GB-21 | Jianjing (肩井) | At the midpoint of the line between the spinous process of C7 and the acromion | Traditionally used for shoulder and neck tension. Avoid strong pressure in pregnancy. |
| GB-34 | Yanglingquan (陽陵泉) | In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula | The he-sea point and meeting point of tendons, classically used for sinew patterns |
| GB-41 | Zulinqi (足臨泣) | On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the fourth metatarsophalangeal joint | One of the eight confluent points; traditionally used for the side of the head |
Point locations follow the WHO Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature (1991). Gentle acupressure is generally considered low-risk; needling must only be performed by a licensed practitioner.
The 11 pm–1 am window
11 pm–1 am is the gallbladder's peak. Classical advice is to be asleep before this window so the body can "rest and consolidate"; modern sleep science likewise favors an earlier, regular bedtime.
How this is viewed today
GB-20 and GB-21 are common in trials for neck pain and tension-type headache; results are typically modest and short-term. Gallbladder disease is a medical condition and should be evaluated by a physician; acupressure plays no role in its diagnosis.
Sources & further reading
- Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經), c. 2nd century BCE.
- Nanjing (難經), c. 1st–2nd century CE.
- World Health Organization, Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature, 2nd ed., 1991.
- Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Acupuncture: What You Need To Know.
Related: Liver meridian · Triple Burner meridian · Qi Stagnation constitution · all twelve meridians