Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

➡disperses on the face

➡connects with the Gall Bladder primary channel and the Liver

divergent channel to form one of the six he-confluences

(here: G.B./LIV as 2nd confluence ➞1.3)

➡continues to the eye system and ends in the Brain.

Clinical importance

● Strengthens the relationship between the Gall Bladder and the

Liver (zangfu-Organ systems). Points on the Gall Bladder pri-

mary channel can therefore be used to treat disorders of the

Liver and vice versa.

● Supports the relationship between the oesophagus and the

Heart.

● The Gall Bladder Divergent channel covers the area around

the eyes, thus supporting the action of some G.B. points for

disorders of the eyes.

4.11.3 The Gall Bladder Sinew

Channel (zu shao yang jing jin)

Pathway

The Gall Bladder sinew channel begins at the 4th toe, binds (jie)

anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus in the area of

G.B.-40(qiuxu), follows the lateral aspect of the leg, binds (jie)

at the fibula and the lateral aspect of the knee.

From the fibula, it continues to ascend the lateral aspect of the

thigh

➡while a branchruns obliquely to ➞ST-32(futu), where it

binds (jie).

The main branchfurther ascends the leg to bind (jie) at the

greater trochanter. Here, a branchseparates and disperses over

the gluteal and sacral regions.

From the hip, the channel continues to ascend the flanks to the

lower costal region, where it divides into two branches:

➡one branchtraverses the lateral aspect of the thorax and

ascends to bind (jie) at ➞ST-12(quepen)

➡the other branchfollows the midaxillary line to the thorax,

meeting the other branch in the supraclavicular fossa.

From ST-12, the channel ascends the lateral aspect of the neck

➡curves around the ear

➡a branch continues to the apex of the ear and to ➞Du-20

(baihui)

➡from the temporal region, a branchdescends and traverses

the cheek to the lower jaw

➡crosses the zygomatic arch to reach S.I.-18(quanliao), where

it meets the other foot Yang sinew channels and divides into

two branches. One branch travels laterally to the root of the

nose, the other to the outer canthus of the eye.

Clinical importance

Pathology:Stiffness and distending sensations in the area of the

4th toe as well as on the lateral aspect of the knee. Limited range

of motion of the knee joint. Pain, tension and distending sensa-

tions in the popliteal crease radiating to the thigh and the sacral

region and vice versa. Pain and distending sensations in the

sacral region radiating to the hypochondrium and vice versa.

Pain and tension in the supraclavicular fossa, thorax, breast and

neck region. Pain along the left side of the channel and inability

to open the right eye and vice versa.

Indication:Predominantly for pain, muscle tension, stiff joints

and distending sensations on the lateral aspect of the body. Used

for disorders of the anterior, lateral and posterior aspects of the

legs, especially those affecting the knees and the thighs. The Gall

Bladder Sinew channel spreads in the thorax and the breasts so

that points on the G.B. channel can be used for disorders in those

areas. Also for headaches on the vertex and temporal regions.

The channel also reaches the lateral aspect of the nose, which

supports the relationship with the nose. Therefore, G.B. points

can be used for chronic nasal disorders, chronic sinusitis, etc.

ST-12

ST-32

S.I.-18

Meeting point

of the three handYang

sinew channels

Du-20

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