Gall bladder 41 (GB 41)- Zu Lin Qi- Foot Overlooking Tears – Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to naturally treat symptoms and disease. There are 12 main meridians or channels that run along the different parts of the body. The gall bladder channel is one of those 12 meridians that offers 44 different acupuncture points. An important point that is often used during treatment is gall bladder 41. Located on the lateral side of the dorsum of the foot, proximal to the 4th metatarsophalangeal joint and the fifth metatarsal bones in the depression lateral to the tendon of the extensor digiti minimi of the foot.
It’s important to note that the GB 41 point not only treats foot problems locally but also treats throughout the body including the chest, abdomen, head, and legs. Since it is a wood (shu) point, it is often used to promote the free flow of liver qi, relieving pain and other discomforts. GB 41 is used to clear damp heat in the gallbladder channel and opens the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel).
GB 41: Dai Mai, Liver Yang Rising, and Women’s Health
The Dai Mai or Girdle Vessel, whichever you prefer to call it, opens with GB 41. It is one of the eight extraordinary vessels and the only meridian running horizontally. It runs like a belt on the abdomen. The Dai Mai is used to guide and support the qi of the uterus and essence. It also regulates the smooth flow of liver qi, the ascending of spleen qi, and the descending of kidney qi, making this extraordinary vessel an important player in relaxation, nourishment, and grounding.
The Dai Mai may be used with the following symptoms:
- Feeling cold
- Lower or middle back pain
- Abdominal pain, distension
- Lower back weakness
- Irregular periods
- Infertility
- Painful periods (from dampness)
- The feeling of heaviness in the body
- Prolapse uterus
- Miscarriage
- Cold feet
- Amenorrhea
- Vaginal discharge
Additionally, GB41 helps regulate the nervous system and relieve stress in the body by resolving symptoms of Liver Yang Rising. Common symptoms of liver yang rising include headaches or migraines, irritability, dizziness, blurred vision, hypochondrial pain or distension in the chest, red, swollen, painful eyes, and pain of the outer canthus. Using GB 41 along with other liver and gallbladder points will help resolve liver yang rising symptoms.
For women, GB 41 can relieve breast pain, distension, lumps, or abscesses. It is also commonly used for mastitis and insufficient lactation. As noted above, GB 41 is helpful for gynecological issues, irregular periods, miscarriage, and infertility. For more information, contact a licensed acupuncturist specializing in gynecology or fertility.
GB 41 Acupuncture Point Location
- According to Deadman: The acupuncture point GB 41 is located in the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, in the depression lateral side of the tendon of m. extensor digitorum longus (branch to little toe).
Needling Method
- Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun
Nature
- Foot Shao Yang
- Shu-stream point
- Wood point
- The confluent point of the Girdle Vessel/ Dai Mai
- Horary points
Actions
- Regulate liver qi
- Benefits the chest, lateral costal region
- Resolves pain of the breast
- Clears the head
- Benefits the eyes
- Transforms phlegm and dissipates nodules
- Opens the Dai Mai
- Subdues Liver yang rising
Clinical Applications of GB41
- Headaches and Migraines: GB 41 is one of my personal favorites for relieving headaches and migraines. It is especially useful for vertex and temporal headaches and pain or pressure behind the eye.
- Eye Problems: GB 41 benefits eye conditions with symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and visual challenges.
- Breast pain and swelling: Used for breast tenderness and swelling due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Often due to liver qi stagnation. It can also be used for insufficient lactation and mastitis.
- Menstrual disorders: Helps to regulate menstrual cycle, resolve vaginal discharge, reduce cramping, and regulate irregular period cycles.
- Leg and hip pain: Used as a distal point to relieve hip, leg, and lower back pain. Common point for sciatica.
- Vertigo/ Dizziness: GB 41 descending liver yang rising which can reduce symptoms of dizziness and vertigo.
- Liver Qi stagnation: GB 41 can regulate liver qi and relieve stress and tension.
- Foot pain: A local point to relieve foot pain such as plantar fasciitis.
- Scrofula: More commonly known as swollen lymph nodes or nodules. GB 41 helps to drain damp and clear heat which can address scrofula conditions.
For Patients
If you have any of the symptoms listed in this article, it is recommended that you work with a licensed acupuncturist to determine the best course of treatment for your condition. Acupuncture has many benefits and can treat a wide variety of symptoms. If you live near Mesa, AZ check out our clinic at ThePlaceCalledOM.com!
Students and Practitioners
For more information, check out these textbooks which the information of this article was based on:
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