GB - Gallbladder Meridian

足少阳胆经 - Zú Shàoyáng Dǎn Jīng

The Gallbladder Meridian functions as the Liver's strategic partner in judgment and decision-making, earning the title "Minister of Decision Making" or "Official of Judgment and Planning." While the Liver General strategizes and plans, the Gallbladder provides the courage and decisiveness needed to execute those plans. It governs clarity, timeliness in decision-making, and the ability to take appropriate action.

The Gallbladder meridian has the longest pathway of all meridians, with 44 points that zigzag across the temples and head region before descending the lateral aspect of the body. It governs the sides of the body, lateral movement, and our ability to pivot, both physically in movement and metaphorically in life. When balanced, it provides courage, clear judgment, and the ability to act with conviction.

Meridian Pathway & Flow

Direction

The Gallbladder Meridian descends from head to foot, flowing from Yang toward Yin

Pathway

  • Origin: Begins at GB-1 (Tongziliao) at the outer corner of the eye
  • Temporal Zigzag: Zigzags extensively across the temple and side of the head
  • Behind Ear: Travels behind the ear and down the neck
  • Shoulder Path: Crosses the shoulder and lateral chest
  • Lateral Torso: Descends along the lateral aspect of the torso and ribs
  • Hip and Thigh: Continues down the lateral hip and thigh
  • Lateral Leg: Travels down the lateral aspect of the lower leg
  • End Point: Terminates at GB-44 (Zuqiaoyin) at the lateral corner of the fourth toenail
  • Connection: Links to the Liver meridian at LV-1 (Dadun) on the big toe

Active Time

11:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Peak energy circulation)

Location illustration for GB

Primary Functions

Physical Functions

  • Stores and releases bile for fat digestion
  • Governs the lateral aspects of the body
  • Controls lateral movement and turning
  • Supports hip, knee, and ankle mobility
  • Influences vision and eye function
  • Governs the temporal regions and sides of head
  • Controls sinews and tendons on body sides

Emotional & Mental Functions

  • Governs decision-making and judgment
  • Provides courage and determination
  • Controls the capacity to take action
  • Manages righteous anger and assertion
  • Supports planning and timing
  • Facilitates mental flexibility and adaptability
  • Supports the courage to uphold principles and act with integrity

Essential Acupoints

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Therapeutic Applications

Digestive & Liver-Related Issues

  • Gallbladder disease and gallstones
  • Poor fat digestion and bile stasis
  • Nausea and digestive upset
  • Jaundice and liver-gallbladder disorders
  • Bitter taste in mouth
  • Right-sided abdominal pain

Head & Vision Problems

  • Temporal headaches and migraines
  • Eye strain and vision problems
  • TMJ disorders and jaw tension
  • Dizziness and vertigo
  • Tinnitus and ear problems
  • Neck and shoulder tension

Lateral Body & Movement Issues

  • Hip pain and sciatica
  • IT band syndrome and lateral knee pain
  • Ankle and lateral foot problems
  • Shoulder and lateral arm pain
  • Rib pain and intercostal neuralgia
  • Difficulty with lateral movement and turning

Decision-Making & Emotional Patterns

  • Indecisiveness and difficulty making choices
  • Lack of courage and timidity
  • Uncontrolled anger or rage
  • Lingering resentment or bitterness
  • Feeling stuck, hesitant, or unable to progress
  • Difficulty asserting boundaries
  • Procrastination and delayed action

Sleep & Timing Issues

  • Difficulty falling asleep between 11 PM - 1 AM
  • Waking up between 11 PM - 1 AM
  • Poor timing and planning abilities
  • Feeling out of sync with natural rhythms

GB Protocols

Decision-Making Support (10-12 minutes)

  1. Begin at 11 PM - 1 AM (peak GB time) or when facing difficult decisions
  2. Start with GB-1 (Tongziliao) for clarity of vision and perception
  3. Work GB-14 (Yangbai) for mental clarity and insight
  4. Apply pressure to GB-20 (Fengchi) for clearing mental fog
  5. Focus on GB-34 (Yanglingquan) for smooth decision-making flow
  6. End with GB-44 for decisive action and completion

Headache and Temple Relief (8-10 minutes)

  1. For temporal headaches, migraines, or eye strain
  2. Focus on GB-14 (Yangbai) with gentle, sustained pressure
  3. Work GB-20 (Fengchi) for neck tension and headache relief
  4. Apply pressure to GB-1 for eye-related headaches
  5. Include gentle temple massage while holding points

Hip and Lateral Leg Support (12-15 minutes)

  1. For hip pain, IT band issues, or lateral leg problems
  2. Focus on GB-30 (Huantiao) for hip mobility and sciatica
  3. Work GB-31 (Fengshi) for lateral thigh tension
  4. Apply pressure to GB-34 for lateral knee issues
  5. Focus on GB-40 (Qiuxu) for ankle and foot problems
  6. Include gentle lateral stretches while holding points

Courage and Action Activation (10-15 minutes)

  1. For timidity, fear, or difficulty taking action
  2. Begin with deep breathing while holding GB-20
  3. Work GB-21 (Jianjing) for shoulder strength and confidence
  4. Apply pressure to GB-34 for smooth action and flow
  5. Focus on GB-41 (Zulinqi) for temporal lobe and decision timing
  6. Conclude with intention-setting to anchor courage and decisive action

Digestive and Bile Support (8-10 minutes)

  1. For gallbladder issues, poor fat digestion, or nausea
  2. Start with GB-24 (Riyue) over gallbladder area
  3. Work GB-34 for smooth bile flow and digestive function
  4. Apply pressure to GB-40 for overall gallbladder regulation
  5. Coordinate with deep breathing and visualization of smooth flow

Sleep and Timing Regulation (10 minutes)

  1. For sleep issues during 11 PM - 1 AM or timing problems
  2. Begin with GB-20 for calming mental activity
  3. Work GB-41 for temporal regulation and timing
  4. Apply pressure to GB-44 for completing the daily cycle
  5. Practice during actual peak time when possible for alignment

All GB Points

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Considerations

Spring Focus

  • The Gallbladder is most active in spring—an ideal time for growth, renewal, and new beginnings
  • Support with planning activities and decision-making practices

Dietary Support

  • Green foods (leafy greens, broccoli) support gallbladder function
  • Sour flavors in moderation help stimulate bile flow
  • Avoid excessive fatty, greasy, or fried foods
  • Regular meal timing supports bile release rhythm

Sleep Timing

  • Honor 11 PM - 1 AM peak time by being asleep if possible
  • Avoid major decisions or stimulating activities during peak hours
  • Create calming bedtime routine before 11 PM

Movement

  • Include lateral movements in exercise routine
  • Practice activities requiring turning and pivoting
  • Stretching and mobility work for hips and lateral body
  • Dance, martial arts, or sports involving lateral movement

Decision Practice

  • Practice making small decisions quickly to build confidence
  • Set aside time for planning and strategic thinking
  • Develop courage through graduated challenges

Anger Management

  • Channel anger constructively through movement or physical activity
  • Practice assertiveness without aggression
  • Transform resentment and bitterness through forgiveness practices

Precautions

Pressure

  • Use light to moderate pressure on head and temple points
  • GB-21 on shoulders can handle firmer pressure but avoid in pregnancy
  • Hip points (GB-30) may require sustained pressure for effectiveness

Head and Eye Safety

  • Very gentle pressure around eyes and temples
  • Stop if experiencing vision changes or increased eye pressure
  • Avoid excessive pressure on temporal arteries

Gallbladder Disease

  • For gallstones or acute gallbladder inflammation, seek medical care
  • Avoid aggressive stimulation during acute gallbladder attacks
  • Collaborate with healthcare providers for chronic gallbladder conditions

Pregnancy Cautions

  • GB-21 is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy as it may induce labor
  • Many other GB points safe with gentle pressure
  • Consult qualified practitioner for pregnancy-safe alternatives

Hip and Sciatica

  • GB-30 requires proper location and technique for safety
  • Avoid excessive pressure on sciatic nerve pathway
  • Stop if experiencing shooting pain or numbness

Mental Health

  • Excessive anger may indicate need for professional support
  • Decision-making difficulties could reflect anxiety or depression
  • Gallbladder work can intensify emotions initially

Liver Coordination

  • Gallbladder and liver work together - consider both systems
  • Liver disease affects gallbladder function and treatment approach
  • Alcohol use disorders require careful gallbladder support

Sleep Disruption

  • 11 PM - 1 AM waking may indicate gallbladder imbalance
  • Address underlying causes rather than just symptoms
  • Chronic sleep disruption requires comprehensive evaluation

Movement Safety

  • Hip and knee issues require proper biomechanical assessment
  • IT band problems need comprehensive treatment approach
  • Coordinate with physical therapy for structural issues