Gallbladder meridian

GB-22 (Yuānyè, 渊腋) — Armpit Abyss

Meridian
Gallbladder (GB)
Anatomical view
lateral
Point classification
No additional traditional classification is stated in the checked educational source.
Depth reference
0.5–0.8 cun oblique or subcutaneous along the thoracic wall
Moxibustion
Not established in checked sources.
Reference aliases
GB22; Yuanye; 渊腋; Armpit Abyss

Anatomical location

On the lateral chest wall, in the fourth intercostal space at the midaxillary line.

Traditional actions

Opens the chest; regulates channel qi; reduces swelling in the axillary region.

Recorded indications

Primary: Lateral chest pain; fullness in the chest; axillary swelling.

Secondary: Shoulder or arm pain; difficulty raising the arm.

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.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region GB22, p. 182
  2. WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, chest and lung precautions, p. 25
  3. Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Gall Bladder 22: English translation, classification, indications, functions and needling

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB-22 located?

On the lateral chest wall, in the fourth intercostal space at the midaxillary line.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for GB-22?

Opens the chest; regulates channel qi; reduces swelling in the axillary region. The dataset lists these primary indications: Lateral chest pain; fullness in the chest; axillary swelling. Secondary indications are recorded as: Shoulder or arm pain; difficulty raising the arm.

Is GB-22 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify GB-22 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.