GB-23 - Flank Sinews

辄筋 - Zhē jīn

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, 1 cun in front of the midaxillary line.

Distances are in cun, a unit that scales with each person's body. As a guide, the width of your thumb at its joint is 1 cun, and your four fingers held together, measured across the middle joints, are 3 cun.

How to Locate:

  1. Find GB-22, in the fourth rib space below the middle of the armpit
  2. Move one thumb-width forward along the rib space
  3. The point is there
GB-23 (Flank Sinews) acupressure point location: On the side of the chest, in the fourth space between the ribs, 1 cun in front of the midaxillary line.

How to Apply Pressure

At the fourth rib space, move one cun forward from the line down from your armpit centre. 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 severe chest pain, acute respiratory conditions, recent thoracic surgery.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Cough
  • Intercostal pain
  • Rib tension
  • Breast disorders

Related Health Concerns

Cold and Flu Onset

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Acute respiratory conditions
  • Recent thoracic surgery

Take care:

  • Seek medical attention for severe chest pain
  • Avoid during acute respiratory distress
  • Use gentle pressure between ribs
  • Discontinue if chest pain increases