Gall Bladder Channel

Yanglingquan GB-34

Chinese: 阳陵泉

Pinyin: Yáng Líng Quán

Location

In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. 

How to locate

Flex the knee. Then palpate the fibula head on the lateral aspect of the leg and hold it with index and middle finger like a tweezer. Glide both fingers distally and locate Yanglingquan GB-34 in a depression anterior and inferior to the fibula head. 

Main actions

  1. Resolves Liver Qi Stagnation
  2. Resolves Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gall Bladder
  3. Benefits the sinews
  4. Removes Obstructions from the Channel

Indications

Nausea Sighing Hip pain Sciatica Vomiting Moodiness Knee pain Depression Stiff neck Elbow pain Leg atrophy Irritability Stiff shoulder Knee stiffness Calf muscle pain Sinew contracture Shoulder stiffness Abdominal distension Feeling of heaviness Epigastric distension Red and swollen knees Hypochondrial distention Inability to digest fats Bitter taste in the mouth

Needling

1–1.5 cun vertical insertion between the tibia and fibula towards the interosseous membrane.

Caution: Deep peroneal nerve with deep needling, in some cases also common peroneal nerve.

The needle may reach the interosseous membrane as well as the epineural tissue of the peroneal nerve.

Commentary for Yanglingquan GB-34

Yanglingquan GB-34 is a very important point of the body. One of its major function is to resolve Liver Qi Stagnation by promoting the Qi circulation in hypochondrial area.

It is also able to stimulate Liver Qi flow in the epigastrium when stimulated together with Zhongwan Ren-12, or the lower abdomen area when used together with Qihai REN-6. Some typical manifestations are irritability, moodiness, depression, sighing as well as hypochondrial, epigastric and abdominal distension. 

Furthermore, Rebellious Stomach Qi is able to descend with smoother Liver Qi. Thus GB-34 treats symptoms such as vomiting and nausea as well. 

If needled together with Riyue GB-24, Yanglingguan GB-34 resolves Damp-Heat in the Liver and the Gall Bladder, characterized by symptoms such as bitter taste, hypochondrial fullness, inability to digest fat as well as feeling of heaviness. 

Another important function of GB-34 is to relax the sinews. It is widely used when patients suffer from sinews contracture, stiff neck or shoulder, pain in the elbow or hip as well as sciatica. 

Finally, it open the Channel by removing Obstruction. Thus it treats pain, swelling, stiffness or atrophy, especially around the lower legs and knees.