GB-44 - Yin Portals of the Foot

足窍阴 - Zú qiào yīn

Point Region: Toe

GB

Gallbladder Meridian

足少阳胆经 - Zú Shàoyáng Dǎn Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the fourth toe, at the corner of the nail on the outer side (toward the little toe), about 0.1 cun from the corner, where the side edge of the nail meets the line of its base.

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. Look at your fourth toenail
  2. Find its corner at the base, on the side facing your little toe
  3. The point is just beside this corner
GB-44 (Yin Portals of the Foot) acupressure point location: On the fourth toe, at the corner of the nail on the outer side (toward the little toe), about 0.1 cun from the corner, where the side edge of the nail meets the line of its base.

How to Apply Pressure

Touch the skin lightly beside the outer corner of the fourth toenail; do not press into the nail or nail bed. Avoid an infected toenail, severe foot problem, or diabetic foot complication.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Red eyes
  • Tinnitus
  • Migraine
  • Sensory overload
  • Anxiety
  • Eye strain

Related Health Concerns

HeadacheInsomniaTinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)MigraineAnxiety

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Infected toenails
  • Severe foot problems
  • Diabetic foot complications

Take care:

  • Avoid if toenail is infected or ingrown
  • Use very gentle pressure on toe
  • Maintain good foot hygiene
  • Discontinue if toe pain increases