Gallbladder meridian
GB-21 (Jiānjǐng, 肩井) — Shoulder Well
- Meridian
- Gallbladder (GB)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Meeting point of the Gallbladder, Triple Energizer and Stomach channels and the Yang Linking vessel.
- Depth reference
- Oblique across an isolated and gently lifted trapezius, never inferiorly toward the lung; depth must follow individual anatomy, posture and breathing.
- Moxibustion
- Not established in checked sources.
- Reference aliases
- GB21; Jianjing; 肩井; Shoulder Well
Anatomical location
At the top of the shoulder, midway along the line from the C7 spinous process to the lateral tip of the acromion.
Traditional actions
Relaxes the shoulder; descends rebellious qi; transforms phlegm; promotes breast and labour functions in traditional practice.
Recorded indications
Primary: Shoulder and upper-back pain; neck stiffness; restricted arm movement.
Secondary: Breast swelling or impaired lactation; difficult labour in specialist obstetric practice.
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 GB21, p. 182
- Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, Safety in Clinical Practice Guidance Vulnerable organ points and pregnancy precautions, pp. 12–13
- Change of Safe Needling Depth at Acupoint GB21 according to Posture and Breathing Abstract and discussion of pleural depth variability
- The safety of obstetric acupuncture: forbidden points revisited GB21 listed among points traditionally avoided before 37 weeks
- Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Gall Bladder 21: English translation, classification, indications, functions and needling
- Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Clean Needle Technique Manual, 7th ed. GB21 pneumothorax prevention and oblique direction away from lung, pp. 11–12
- Acupuncture-related adverse events: a systematic review of the Chinese literature GB21 pneumothorax reports
Frequently asked questions
Where is GB-21 located?
At the top of the shoulder, midway along the line from the C7 spinous process to the lateral tip of the acromion.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GB-21?
Relaxes the shoulder; descends rebellious qi; transforms phlegm; promotes breast and labour functions in traditional practice. The dataset lists these primary indications: Shoulder and upper-back pain; neck stiffness; restricted arm movement. Secondary indications are recorded as: Breast swelling or impaired lactation; difficult labour in specialist obstetric practice.
Is GB-21 safe during pregnancy?
The lung apex lies beneath GB-21, so an inferior or overly deep trajectory can cause pneumothorax. Pregnancy caution is traditional, especially before 37 weeks; reviewed human evidence has not shown increased miscarriage, preterm birth or reliable labour induction, but rare harm is not fully excluded and use requires individualized obstetric assessment.