Gallbladder meridian
GB-33 (Xīyángguān, 膝阳关) — Knee Yang Gate
- Meridian
- Gallbladder (GB)
- Anatomical view
- lateral
- Point classification
- No additional traditional classification is stated in the checked educational source.
- Depth reference
- 1.0–1.5 cun with direction controlled to remain outside the knee joint
- Moxibustion
- Point-specific moxibustion applicability is not established in the checked point source. Scarring/suppurative moxibustion near a joint is avoided.
- Reference aliases
- GB33; Xiyangguan; 膝阳关; Knee Yang Gate
Anatomical location
At the outer knee, in the hollow between the biceps femoris tendon and iliotibial band, just behind and above the lateral femoral epicondyle.
Traditional actions
Dispels wind-dampness; warms and activates the knee channel; relieves pain.
Recorded indications
Primary: Lateral knee pain; swelling or stiffness; difficulty flexing the knee.
Secondary: Thigh numbness; lower-leg pain; cold painful obstruction 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.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region GB33, p. 188
- Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Gall Bladder 33: English translation, classification, indications, functions and needling
- Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, Safety in Clinical Practice Guidance Care with points near joints, pp. 12–13
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 3.9: moxibustion with non-bacterial suppuration near joints, p. 23
Frequently asked questions
Where is GB-33 located?
At the outer knee, in the hollow between the biceps femoris tendon and iliotibial band, just behind and above the lateral femoral epicondyle.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GB-33?
Dispels wind-dampness; warms and activates the knee channel; relieves pain. The dataset lists these primary indications: Lateral knee pain; swelling or stiffness; difficulty flexing the knee. Secondary indications are recorded as: Thigh numbness; lower-leg pain; cold painful obstruction patterns.
Is GB-33 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify GB-33 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.