Gall Bladder Channel

Zulingqi GB-41

Chinese: 足临泣

Pinyin: Zú Lín Qì

Location

In the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the foot. 

How to locate

Palpate for the distinct tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal bone on the lateral aspect of the midfoot. With the palpating finger, glide on from the tuberosity to the dorsum of the foot, into the groove between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones. Zulingqi GB-41 is located at the junction of the heads and the shafts of the two bones.

Or: Abduct their toes so that the branch of the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus muscle extending to the little toe becomes more pronounced. Then palpate in the groove between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones from distal to proximal to where the tendon crosses the groove. Diwuhui GB-42 is located medial or anterior to it, while Zulingqi GB-41 is located in the depression lateral or posterior to the tendon.

Main actions

  1. Subdues Liver Qi Stagnation
  2. Subdues Liver Yang
  3. Resolves Damp-Heat and regulates the Girdle Vessel
  4. Benefits the breasts
  5. Clears Heat from the Gall Bladder Channel
  6. Removes obstructions from the Channel

Indications

Red eyes Eye pain Dry eyes Cystitis Headaches Dizziness Leukorrhea Urethritis Breast pain Swollen eyes Breast lumps Blurred vision Chest fullness Breast distention Vaginal discharge Hypochondriac pain Outer canthus pain Hypochondrial distention

Needling

Perpendicularly or obliquely approximately 0.3–0.8 cun

Commentary for Zulingqi GB-41

Zulingqi GB-41 is an important point of Gall Bladder Channel. First of all, it is indispensable to dissolve Liver Qi Stagnation, characterized by hypochondrial distension and pain as well as chest fullness. 

Furthermore, it subdues Liver Yang. Typical manifestations are headache, dizziness or blurred vision. 

As the opening point of the Girdle Vessel, it is widely used to regulate Girdle Vessel by resolving Damp-Heat in the genital region. Thus it treats leukorrhoea, cystitis and urethritis

It benefits the female breasts by removing distension, pain, lumps and abscess in the breasts. 

It clears Heat in the Gall Bladder Channel and works as a distal point for many eye disorders. Typical symptoms include red, swollen, painful or dry eyes as well as pain in the outer canthus. 

Finally Zulingqi GB-41 removes the Obstruction from the Channel that are caused by Dampness invasion. It often used to treat pain, swelling in the hip, lower legs, toes or feet dorsum.