Gallbladder meridian

GB-3 (Shàngguān, 上关) — Upper Gate

Meridian
Gallbladder (GB)
Anatomical view
head
Point classification
Meeting point of the Gallbladder, Stomach and Triple Energizer channels.
Depth reference
0.5–1.0 cun perpendicular with controlled local anatomy
Moxibustion
Not established in checked point source; direct or scarring moxibustion is avoided on the face or hairline.
Reference aliases
GB3; Shangguan; 上关; Upper Gate

Anatomical location

On the temple, in the depression immediately above the midpoint of the zygomatic arch and superior to ST-7.

Traditional actions

Opens the ear; settles wind; relieves pain in the temple, cheek and jaw.

Recorded indications

Primary: Tinnitus; earache; temporal headache; temporomandibular pain.

Secondary: Facial weakness; toothache; seizures in traditional patterns.

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 GB3, p. 173
  2. Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Gall Bladder 3: English translation, classification, indications, functions and needling
  3. 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-3 located?

On the temple, in the depression immediately above the midpoint of the zygomatic arch and superior to ST-7.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for GB-3?

Opens the ear; settles wind; relieves pain in the temple, cheek and jaw. The dataset lists these primary indications: Tinnitus; earache; temporal headache; temporomandibular pain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Facial weakness; toothache; seizures in traditional patterns.

Is GB-3 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify GB-3 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.