Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

On the lateral aspect of the thigh, 5 cun proximal to the popliteal

crease, between the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles.

How to find

First, ask the patient to place their hands on the imaginary seam

of their trousers (this is best done with the patient standing) and

locate ➞G.B.-31where the middle finger touches the thigh.

G.B.-32can now be located 2 cun distal to ➞G.B.-31. Or:The

distance between the highest prominence of the greater

trochanter (➞3.6) to the popliteal crease is 19 cun (➞2.2).

Divide this distance into quarters (use an elastic tape or the

spreading hands technique) and locate G.B.-32slightly proximal

to a quarter of the distance from the popliteal crease. Sensitivity

to pressure should help determine the location of this point.

Needling

Vertically 1–2 cun

Actions/Indications

● Eliminates Wind, Dampness and Cold, opens the channel

G.B.-32 Middle Ditch ZHONGDU

G.B.-31

G.B.-32

2 cun

3

2

1

19

13

14

15

16

17

18

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

cun

Highest

prominence

of the greater

trochanter

G.B.-30

G.B.-31

G.B.-32

G.B.-34

G.B.-28 G.B.-29

G.B.-27

BL-37

BL-36

BL-39 BL-40

G.B.-33

6 cun

Popliteal crease

BL-55

G.B.-31

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