Gallbladder meridian

GB-40 (Qiūxū, 丘墟) — Hill Ruins

Meridian
Gallbladder (GB)
Anatomical view
lateral
Point classification
Yuan-source point of the Gallbladder channel.
Depth reference
0.5–0.8 cun with controlled direction outside the ankle joint space
Moxibustion
Point-specific moxibustion applicability is not established in the checked point source. Scarring/suppurative moxibustion near a joint is avoided.
Reference aliases
GB40; Qiuxu; 丘墟; Hill Ruins

Anatomical location

At the anterolateral ankle, in the hollow in front of and below the lateral malleolus, lateral to the extensor digitorum longus tendon.

Traditional actions

Spreads Liver and Gallbladder qi; clears channel heat; stabilizes the ankle.

Recorded indications

Primary: Lateral ankle pain or swelling; hypochondriac pain; bitter taste; eye redness.

Secondary: Neck swelling; headache; indecision or timidity 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 GB40, p. 191
  2. Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Gall Bladder 40: English translation, classification, indications, functions and needling
  3. Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, Safety in Clinical Practice Guidance Care with points near joints, pp. 12–13
  4. 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-40 located?

At the anterolateral ankle, in the hollow in front of and below the lateral malleolus, lateral to the extensor digitorum longus tendon.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for GB-40?

Spreads Liver and Gallbladder qi; clears channel heat; stabilizes the ankle. The dataset lists these primary indications: Lateral ankle pain or swelling; hypochondriac pain; bitter taste; eye redness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Neck swelling; headache; indecision or timidity in traditional patterns.

Is GB-40 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify GB-40 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.