GB-33 - Knee Yang Gate

膝阳关 - Xī yáng guān

Point Region: Knee

GB

Gallbladder Meridian

足少阳胆经 - Zú Shàoyáng Dǎn Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the outer side of the knee, in the hollow between the biceps femoris tendon and the iliotibial band, behind and above the bony bump on the outer side of the lower thigh bone (the lateral epicondyle of the femur).

How to Locate:

  1. Bend your knee slightly
  2. Find the bony bump on the outer side of the knee, at the bottom of the thigh bone
  3. The point is in the hollow behind and above it, between the tendon and the firm band of the outer thigh
GB-33 (Knee Yang Gate) acupressure point location: On the outer side of the knee, in the hollow between the biceps femoris tendon and the iliotibial band, behind and above the bony bump on the outer side of the lower thigh bone (the lateral epicondyle of the femur).

How to Apply Pressure

Bend your knee slightly; find the hollow behind and above the outer knee bump, between tendon and thigh band. 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 knee injuries, severe arthritis flare-ups, recent knee surgery.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Knee pain
  • Stiffness
  • Leg weakness
  • Knee joint problems
  • Swelling
  • Arthritis
  • Mobility issues

Related Health Concerns

Knee PainFatigue

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Severe arthritis flare-ups
  • Recent knee surgery

Take care:

  • Avoid during acute knee injuries
  • Use gentle pressure around knee joint
  • Discontinue if swelling increases
  • Seek medical attention for severe knee pain