GB-40 - Mound of Ruins

丘墟 - Qiū xū

Point Region: Ankle

GB

Gallbladder Meridian

足少阳胆经 - Zú Shàoyáng Dǎn Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: At the front and outer side of the ankle, in front of and below the outer ankle bone, in the hollow on the outer side of the extensor digitorum longus tendon (the tendon to the four small toes).

How to Locate:

  1. Lift your four small toes against resistance so their tendon stands out at the front of the ankle
  2. Find the outer ankle bone
  3. The point is in the hollow in front of and below the ankle bone, on the outer side of that tendon
GB-40 (Mound of Ruins) acupressure point location: At the front and outer side of the ankle, in front of and below the outer ankle bone, in the hollow on the outer side of the extensor digitorum longus tendon (the tendon to the four small toes).

How to Apply Pressure

Lift your four small toes to show their tendon; find the hollow before and below the outer ankle bone, beside the tendon. 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 ankle injuries, acute gallbladder disease, ankle fractures.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Ankle pain
  • Nausea
  • Indecision
  • Hypochondriac pain
  • Ankle sprain
  • Gallbladder disorders
  • Decision-making problems
  • Digestive issues

Related Health Concerns

Nausea and Vomiting

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Severe ankle injuries
  • Acute gallbladder disease
  • Ankle fractures

Take care:

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