GB-22 - Armpit Abyss

渊腋 - Yuān yè

Point Region: Chest

GB

Gallbladder Meridian

足少阳胆经 - Zú Shàoyáng Dǎn Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the side of the chest, in the fourth space between the ribs, on the midaxillary line (the vertical line down from the middle of the armpit).

How to Locate:

  1. Raise your arm and follow a vertical line down from the middle of the armpit
  2. Find the fourth rib space (in men, level with the nipples)
  3. The point is where the line crosses that rib space
GB-22 (Armpit Abyss) acupressure point location: On the side of the chest, in the fourth space between the ribs, on the midaxillary line (the vertical line down from the middle of the armpit).

How to Apply Pressure

Raise your arm and find the line down from your armpit centre; locate its crossing with the fourth rib space. Apply gentle, steady pressure there with a fingertip. Keep it comfortable: firm but never painful, and never deep or unrelenting. Stop if it hurts. Avoid this point if you have acute chest pain requiring medical attention, severe respiratory distress, recent chest surgery.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Cough
  • Intercostal neuralgia
  • Chest tightness
  • Breast pain

Related Health Concerns

Cold and Flu OnsetNeuralgia

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Acute chest pain requiring medical attention
  • Severe respiratory distress
  • Recent chest surgery

Take care:

  • Seek immediate medical attention for chest pain
  • Avoid during acute breathing difficulties
  • Use gentle pressure on rib area
  • Discontinue if breathing problems worsen