Gallbladder meridian
GB-12 (Wángǔ, 完骨) — Mastoid Bone
- Meridian
- Gallbladder (GB)
- Anatomical view
- lateral
- Point classification
- Meeting point of the Gallbladder and Bladder channels.
- Depth reference
- 0.5–0.8 cun oblique
- Moxibustion
- Not established in checked point source; direct or scarring moxibustion is avoided on the face or hairline.
- Reference aliases
- GB12; Wangu; 完骨; Mastoid Bone
Anatomical location
In the hollow immediately behind and below the mastoid process.
Traditional actions
Dispels wind; calms the spirit; benefits the head and neck.
Recorded indications
Primary: Headache; insomnia; agitation; neck stiffness.
Secondary: Facial weakness; toothache; swelling behind the ear.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region GB12, p. 177
- Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Gall Bladder 12: English translation, classification, indications, functions and needling
- Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Clean Needle Technique Manual, 7th ed. Appendix C, pp. 240–241: direct/scarring moxibustion restriction for GB1–GB19
Frequently asked questions
Where is GB-12 located?
In the hollow immediately behind and below the mastoid process.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GB-12?
Dispels wind; calms the spirit; benefits the head and neck. The dataset lists these primary indications: Headache; insomnia; agitation; neck stiffness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Facial weakness; toothache; swelling behind the ear.
Is GB-12 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify GB-12 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.