Gallbladder meridian

GB-32 (Zhōngdú, 中渎) — Central River

Meridian
Gallbladder (GB)
Anatomical view
lateral
Point classification
No additional traditional classification is stated in the checked educational source.
Depth reference
1.0–2.0 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Not established in checked sources.
Reference aliases
GB32; Zhongdu; 中渎; Central River

Anatomical location

On the lateral thigh, behind the iliotibial band and 7 B-cun above the popliteal crease.

Traditional actions

Activates the channel; dispels wind-dampness; relieves pain.

Recorded indications

Primary: Pain or numbness of the thigh; leg weakness; sciatica.

Secondary: Knee pain; difficulty walking; post-stroke lower-limb dysfunction.

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 GB32, p. 187
  2. Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Gall Bladder 32: English translation, classification, indications, functions and needling

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB-32 located?

On the lateral thigh, behind the iliotibial band and 7 B-cun above the popliteal crease.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for GB-32?

Activates the channel; dispels wind-dampness; relieves pain. The dataset lists these primary indications: Pain or numbness of the thigh; leg weakness; sciatica. Secondary indications are recorded as: Knee pain; difficulty walking; post-stroke lower-limb dysfunction.

Is GB-32 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify GB-32 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.