运行规律：散热冷降后由本穴的地部孔隙流入耳腔。
功能作用：清降寒浊。
治法：寒则点刺出血或先泻后补或补之，热则泻针出气。
3上关手足少阳足阳明之会。
别名：客主人，客主，太阳。
穴义：胆经的清阳之气由此上行。
名解：1）上关。上，上行也。关，关卡也。上关名意指胆经的清阳之气由此上行。本穴物质为听会穴吸热上行的弱小水气，在上行本穴的过程中，外部的寒湿水气亦加入其中，至本穴后清阳之气吸热上行，滞重水湿则冷缩降地，本穴如同气血上行天部的关卡一般，故名上关。
2)客主人。客，宾客也。本穴为少阳胆经之穴，风气为主，肾气为客，此指穴内气血为肾水之性的寒湿水气。主人，指穴内气血。客主人名意指穴内气血为肾水之性的寒湿水气。本穴物质为听会穴传来的弱小水气，在上行至本穴的过程中，外部的寒湿水气亦汇入其中，至本穴后气血则变为肾水特性的寒湿水气，故名客主人。
3)太阳。太阳，指穴内的气血物质来自天之上部的冷凝水气。理同上关名解。
4)手足少阳足阳明之会。本穴的气血物质既有手少阳外散的寒湿水气又有足阳明外散的湿热水气，故为手足少阳足阳明之会。
运行规律：大部分凉湿水气冷降下行交于听会穴，小部分凉湿水气吸热上行。
功能作用：升清降浊。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
4颔厌手少阳足阳明之会。
穴义：胆经气血在此以风行之状输向头之各部。
名解：1)颔厌。颔，下巴也，为任脉及足阳明经所过之处，此指足阳明的气血。厌，厌倦也。颔厌名意指胆经气血在此以风行之状输向头之各部。本穴物质为上关穴传来的弱小水气，行至本穴后，水气吸热胀散化风而行并由此输向头之各部，足阳明经头维穴输供头部的精微物质因而受到损害，本穴气血为足阳明所厌恶，故名颔厌。
2)手少阳足阳明之会。本穴外传的阳热风气并入足阳明经头维穴外输的气血当中，故为手少阳足阳明之会。
运行规律：循胆经下传于悬颅穴并输向头之各部。
功能作用：推动足阳明气血的传递。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气。
5悬颅
别名：髓孔，髓中，米啮。
穴义：胆经的天部之气在此散热后吸附水显。
名解：1）悬颅。悬，吊挂也。颅，古指头盖骨，此指穴内气血为寒湿水气。颔颅名意指胆经的天部之气在此散热后吸附水湿。本穴物质为颔厌传来的温热风气，至本穴后散热冷缩并吸附天部中的寒湿水气，穴内气血如同天部中的水湿云层一般，故名悬颅。
2)髓孔。髓，骨之所主也，此指穴内气血为寒湿水气。孔，孔隙也。髓孔名意指胆经天部的寒湿水气在此化雨冷降。如悬颅名解，本穴物质为天部的寒湿水气，其变化为化雨冷降，所降之雨如从孔隙中落下一般，故名髓孔。髓中名意与髓孔同。
3)米啮。米，微小之物也，此指穴内气血为天部中聚集的水滴。啮，咬或缺口之意。米啮名意指穴内的天部水湿云气化雨冷降，如不断地咬缺一般。理由髓孔名解。
运行规律：大部分化雨冷降，小部分循胆经下传悬厘穴。
功能作用：降浊除湿。
治法：寒则先泻后补或灸之或点刺出血，热则泻针出气。
6悬厘手足少阳阳明之会。
名解：悬厘。悬，吊挂也。厘，治理也。悬厘名意指胆经气血在此降浊分清。本穴物质为悬颅穴冷降下传的水湿之气，至本穴后，滞重的寒湿水气进一步下行，小部分清气则由本穴外输头之各部，本穴对天部的水湿风气有治理的作用，故名悬厘。手足少阳阳明之会。在本穴汇集的气血当中，既有手少阳的上行之气又有足阳明的下行之气，故本穴为手足少阳阳明之会。
运行规律：大部分循胆经下传曲鬓穴，小部分飘散于天之中部。
功能作用：降浊分清。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之或点刺出血，热则泻针出气。
７曲鬓足太阳少阳之会。
别名：曲发。
穴义：胆经经所在此化雨而降。
名解：曲鬓。曲，隐秘也。鬓，鬓发也，既为肾气所主之物又为血之余，此指穴内气血为水湿而性温热。曲鬓名意指胆经经气在此化雨而降。本穴物质为悬厘穴传来的天部寒湿水气，在本穴的变化为化雨而降，所降之雨虽与天部气血相比而为寒湿，但仍为温热之性，故名曲鬓。足太阳少阳之会。本穴虽为胆经之穴，但其气血的运行变化是受膀胱经外散的寒湿之气而表现为冷降收引，故为足太阳少阳之会。
功能作用：降浊除湿。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之、热则泻针出气或水针。
8率谷
别名：蟀谷，率骨，率角，蟀容。
穴义：胆经的阳热之气在此吸吸湿冷降。
名解：率谷。率，古指捕鸟的网或带领，用网捕鸟时网是从上罩下，此指胆经的气血在此开始由阳变阴。谷，两山所夹空隙也。率谷名意指胆经的水湿之气在此吸热后化为阳气而上行天之上部。本穴物质为曲鬓穴传来的弱小凉湿水气，吸热上行至本穴后达到了其所能上行的最高点，水湿之气开始吸湿并发生冷降的变化，如捕鸟之网从高处落下一般，故名率谷。蟀谷、率骨、率角、率容名意与率谷同。其中，蟀通率，骨指穴内气血表现出肾水的收引特性，角指本穴位于耳角部位，容则指本穴容纳外部传入穴内的寒湿水气。
运行规律：散热吸湿后循胆经下行。
功能作用：收降湿浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
9天冲
别名：天衢。
穴义：胆经经气在此吸热后胀散并冲于经穴之外的头之天部。
名解：1）天冲。天，天部气血也。冲，气血运行为冲射之状也。天冲名意指胆经经气吸热后胀散并由本穴冲射于天之各部。本穴物质为率谷穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后，因受穴外传入之热，水湿之气胀散并冲射于胆经之外的天部，故名天冲。
2)天衢。天，天部气血也。衢，指四通八达的道路或树枝交错而出之貌，此指穴内气血向外的输出状态。天衢名意指胆经气血由此向天之各部传输。理同天冲名解。
运行规律：由穴内输向天之各部。
功能作用：益气补阳。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
10浮白
穴义：胆经的阳热风气在此化为温热之性的水湿云系。
名解：浮，飘浮也。白，肺之色也，此指穴内气血为肺金之性的温热水湿云系。浮白名意指胆经的阳热风气在此化为温热之性的水湿云系。本穴物质为天冲传来的阳热风气，至本穴后风气势弱缓行，散热吸湿后化为肺金之性的温热水气，如同云气飘浮于天部，故名浮白。
运行规律：散热吸湿后循胆经下行头窍阴穴。
功能作用：清热除湿。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
11头窍阴
别名：窍阴，枕骨。
穴义：胆经气血在此化为天之下部的滞重水湿云气。
名解：1）头窍阴。头，指穴处的部位在头部。窍，孔穴、空窍之意。阴，指穴内物质为阴湿水气。头窍阴名意指胆经气血在此化为天之下部的滞重水湿云气。本穴物质为浮白穴下传的水湿云气，在下行本穴的过程中，水湿云气不断散热吸湿，至本穴后则化为天之下部的滞重水湿云气，天之上部如同空窍一般，故名为头窍阴。
2)枕骨。枕，睡眠时头部的最低点也，此指本穴所在的部位。骨，肾主之水也，此指穴内气血为润下特性的寒湿水气。枕骨名意指胆经气血在枕骨部位化为了天之下部寒冷特性的水湿云气。理同头窍阴名解。
运行规律：冷降并循胆经下传完骨穴。
功能作用：降浊去寒。
12完骨
名解：完，完全、全部也。骨，肾主之水也。完骨名意指胆经气血在此完全冷降为地部水液。本穴物质为头窍阴传来的寒湿水气，至本穴后天部的寒湿水气全部冷降为地部的水液，故名完骨。
运行规律：由地部向颈项下部散流。
功能作用：疏导水液。
13本神
穴义：头之天部的冷凝水湿在此汇合后循胆经传输。
名解：本，人之根本也，气也，此指穴内物质为天部之气。神，在天为风也，指穴内物质的运行为风气的横向运动。本神名意指头之天部的冷凝水湿在此汇合后循胆经传输。本穴因其位处头角上部，为人之外侧，在人体坐标系中它和头顶的百会穴一样皆处最高最外位置（本神与百会二穴如同二座不同的山之山顶）。由于胆经无循经传来的气血交于本穴，穴内气血处于空虚之状，穴外天部的冷凝水湿因而汇入穴内，穴内气血纯为天部之气，且其运行为横向下传阳白穴，故名本神。
运行规律：进一步吸湿冷降并下传阳白穴。
功能作用：吸湿降浊。
14阳白足少阳阳维之会。
穴义：胆经的湿冷水气在此吸热后胀散。
名解：1)阳白。阳，天部也，气也。白，明亮清白也。阳白名意指胆经的湿冷水气在此吸热后胀散。本穴物质为本神穴传来的天部湿冷水气，由于在下行的过程中不断吸热，水湿之气还未进入本穴就己受热胀散化为阳热风气并传输于头之各部，穴内的天部层次变得明亮清白，故名阳白。
2)足少阳阳维之会。本穴吸热胀散的阳热风气不光上传本经的头临泣穴，同时亦外走阳维脉，故本穴为足少阳阳维之会。
运行规律：一是循胆经上传头临泣穴，二是外走阳维脉。
功能作用：生气壮阳。
治法：寒则点刺出血或补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
15头临泣
别名：临池。
名解：头临泣。头，指本穴在头部，有别于足临泣之穴。临，居高位而朝向低位也，此指穴内气血的运行变化为由上而下。泣，泪水也。头临泣名意指胆经经气在此冷降为寒湿水气并由天部降落地部。穴内水湿从天部滴落于地部。本穴物质为阳白穴上传的阳热风气，至本穴后散热吸湿而化为寒湿的降水云气，雨滴由天部降于地部，如泪滴从上落下，故名头临泣。临池名意与头临泣同，池指本穴气血为天部的降水云气，富含水液。
运行规律：大部分化雨冷降归地，小部分吸热后循胆经上行目窗穴。
功能作用：降浊升清。
16目窗足少阳阳维之会。
别名：至荣、至宫。
名解：1）目窗。目，肝之所主也，此指穴内物质为肝木之性的风气。窗，气体交换的通道也。目窗名意指胆经气血在此吸热后化为阳热风气。本穴物质为头临泣穴传至的弱小水湿之气，至本穴后，因受穴外所传之热，弱小的水湿之气吸热胀散并化为阳热风气传于穴外，故名目窗。
2)至荣。至，最也、极也。荣，植物的茂盛之状，此指穴内的阳热风气充实饱满。至荣名意指胆经气血在此为充实饱满之状。理同目窗名解。
3)至宫。至，最也、极也。宫，古代房屋的通称，又有屏障之意，此指穴内气血为饱满的卫外之气。至宫名意指穴内气血为饱满的卫外阳气。理同目窗名解。
4)足少阳阳维之会。本穴气血为饱满的阳热风气，它一方面循胆经上行正营穴，另一方面则上行并交于阳维脉所在的天部层次，故为足少阳阳维之会。
运行规律：一是循胆经上行正营穴，二是外走阳维脉。
功能作用：补气壮阳。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
17正营足少阳阳维之会。
穴义：胆经的阳热风气在此散热缩合。
名解：1）正营。正，正当也。营，军队驻扎的营地，有建设、营救之意。正营名意指胆经的阳热风气在此散热缩合并化为天部的阳气。本穴物质为目窗穴传来的阳热风气，至本穴后，阳热风气散热缩合并化为阳气，阳热风气没有因冷缩而变为寒湿之气，本穴起到了正当维持天部气血运行变化的作用，故名正营。
2)足少阳阳维之会。本穴的气血变化为阳热风气散热缩合，随着穴内气血的收引变化，阳维脉的气血亦汇入穴内，故本穴为足少阳阳维之会。
运行规律：吸湿冷降循胆经下传承灵穴。
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: After dissipating heat and undergoing cold descent, it flows from the earth-level pores of this acupoint into the ear cavity.
Functions and Effects: Clears and descends cold turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, perform pricking to bleed, or apply reducing first followed by reinforcing, or apply reinforcing directly; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
3 Shangguan (GB12): Meeting point of Hand-Shaoyang and Foot-Shaoyang meridians with Foot-Yangming meridian.
Aliases: Kezhuren,kezhu, Taiyang.
Acupoint Meaning: The clear Yang Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian ascends here.
Name Explanation: 1) Shangguan. "Shang" means ascending. "Guan" means checkpoint or pass. The name Shangguan implies that the clear Yang Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian ascends through this point. The substance at this point is weak water vapor ascending after absorbing heat from Tinghui (GB2). During its ascent to this point, external cold-damp water vapor joins it. Upon reaching this point, the clear Yang Qi absorbs heat and continues to ascend, while heavy dampness condenses and descends due to cold. This point acts like a checkpoint for Qi and Blood ascending to the Heaven level, hence named Shangguan.
2) Kezhuren. "Ke" means guest. This point belongs to the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, where Wind Qi is dominant and Kidney Qi is the guest, referring to the Qi and Blood within the acupoint having the nature of cold-damp water vapor characteristic of Kidney Water. "Zhuren" refers to the Qi and Blood within the acupoint. The name Kezhuren implies that the Qi and Blood within the acupoint manifests as cold-damp water vapor with Kidney Water characteristics. The substance originates from weak water vapor transmitted from Tinghui (GB2). As it ascends to this point, external cold-damp water vapor merges with it. Upon arrival, the Qi and Blood transform into cold-damp water vapor with Kidney Water characteristics, hence named Kezhuren.
3) Taiyang. "Taiyang" refers to the condensed water vapor from the upper Heaven region constituting the Qi and Blood substance in this acupoint. The rationale is the same as for Shangguan.
4) Meeting point of Hand-Shaoyang and Foot-Shaoyang with Foot-Yangming. The Qi and Blood substance at this point includes both cold-damp water vapor dispersed externally from the Hand-Shaoyang meridian and damp-heat water vapor dispersed externally from the Foot-Yangming meridian, thus serving as the meeting point of these meridians.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is cool, damp water vapor at the Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: Most of the cool, damp water vapor undergoes cold descent and connects to Tinghui (GB2); a small portion absorbs heat and ascends.
Functions and Effects: Raises the clear and descends the turbid.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
4 Hanyan (GB13): Meeting point of Hand-Shaoyang and Foot-Yangming meridians.
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian are distributed to various parts of the head in a manner resembling wind movement.
Name Explanation: 1) Hanyan. "Han" refers to the chin, an area traversed by the Ren Mai and Foot-Yangming Meridian, here indicating the Qi and Blood of the Foot-Yangming Meridian. "Yan" means dislike or aversion. The name Hanyan implies that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian distributes to various parts of the head like wind. The substance here is weak water vapor transmitted from Shangguan (GB12). Upon reaching this point, the water vapor expands and disperses upon absorbing heat, transforming into wind and distributing to various parts of the head. Consequently, the refined substances supplied to the head by Touwei (ST8) of the Foot-Yangming Meridian are affected, and the Qi and Blood of this point are disliked by the Foot-Yangming Meridian, hence named Hanyan.
2) Meeting point of Hand-Shaoyang and Foot-Yangming. The warm, dry wind qi transmitted outward from this point merges with the Qi and Blood transported outward by Touwei (ST8) of the Foot-Yangming Meridian, thus serving as the meeting point of the Hand-Shaoyang and Foot-Yangming meridians.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is warm, dry wind qi at the Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: It transmits downward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Xuanlu (GB14) and distributes to various parts of the head.
Functions and Effects: Promotes the transmission of Qi and Blood of the Foot-Yangming Meridian.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
5 Xuanlu (GB15)
Aliases: Suikong, Suizhong, Miye.
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi of the Heaven level of the Gallbladder Meridian dissipates heat here, causing water vapor to adsorb and become visible.
Name Explanation: 1) Xuanlu. "Xuan" means hanging. "Lu" refers to the skull, here indicating that the Qi and Blood substance in the acupoint is cold-damp water vapor. The name Xuanlu implies that the Heaven-level Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian dissipates heat here and adsorbs water vapor. The substance here is warm wind qi transmitted from Hanyan (GB13). Upon reaching this point, it dissipates heat, contracts due to cold, and adsorbs cold-damp water vapor from the Heaven level. The Qi and Blood within the acupoint resemble clouds of dampness in the Heaven level, hence named Xuanlu.
2) Suikong. "Sui" refers to bone marrow, governed by bones, here indicating that the Qi and Blood substance is cold-damp water vapor. "Kong" means pore. The name Suikong implies that the cold-damp water vapor of the Heaven level of the Gallbladder Meridian transforms into rain and undergoes cold descent here. As explained under Xuanlu, the substance here is cold-damp water vapor from the Heaven level, which transforms into rain and descends coldly. The falling rain resembles water falling from a pore, hence named Suikong. The name Suizhong has the same meaning as Suikong.
3) Miye. "Mi" refers to minute objects, here indicating that the Qi and Blood substance consists of water droplets gathered in the Heaven level. "Nie" means bite or notch. The name Miye implies that the water vapor clouds in the Heaven level transform into rain and descend coldly, resembling continuous biting away. The rationale is the same as for Suikong.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is cold-damp water vapor at the Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: Most of it transforms into rain and descends coldly; a small portion transmits downward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Xuanli (GB16).
Functions and Effects: Descends turbidity and removes dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, reduce first then reinforce, or apply moxibustion, or prick to bleed; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
6 Xuanli (GB16): Meeting point of Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Shaoyang, and Yangming meridians.
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian separate the clear from the turbid here.
Name Explanation: Xuanli. "Xuan" means hanging. "Li" means to govern or manage. The name Xuanli implies that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian separate the clear from the turbid here. The substance here is water vapor descending coldly from Xuanlu (GB15). Upon reaching this point, heavy cold-damp water vapor descends further, while a small portion of clear Qi is transported outward from this point to various parts of the head. This point has a governing effect on the water vapor and wind qi in the Heaven level, hence named Xuanli. Meeting point of Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Shaoyang, and Yangming: Among the Qi and Blood gathered at this point, there is ascending Qi from the Hand-Shaoyang meridian and descending Qi from the Foot-Yangming meridian, thus making this point the meeting point of the Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Shaoyang, and Yangming meridians.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is cool, damp water vapor in the middle Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: Most of it transmits downward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Qubin (GB17); a small portion drifts in the middle Heaven level.
Functions and Effects: Descends turbidity and separates the clear.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, reduce first then reinforce, or apply reinforcing and moxibustion, or prick to bleed; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
7 Qubin (GB18): Meeting point of Foot-Taiyang and Shaoyang meridians.
Alias: Qufa.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian transforms into rain and descends here.
Name Explanation: Qubin. "Qu" means hidden. "Bin" refers to sideburns, which are governed by Kidney Qi and are considered surplus of blood, here indicating that the Qi and Blood substance is damp but warm in nature. The name Qubin implies that the Jing Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian transforms into rain and descends here. The substance here is cold-damp water vapor from the Heaven level transmitted from Xuanli (GB16). At this point, it transforms into rain and descends. Although the falling rain appears cold-damp compared to the Qi and Blood in the Heaven level, it still retains a warm nature, hence named Qubin. Meeting point of Foot-Taiyang and Shaoyang: Although this point belongs to the Gallbladder Meridian, the operation and transformation of its Qi and Blood are influenced by the cold-damp Qi dispersed externally from the Bladder Meridian, manifesting as cold descent and contraction, thus serving as the meeting point of the Foot-Taiyang and Shaoyang meridians.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is cold-damp water vapor in the lower Heaven level, with a warm nature.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: It undergoes cold descent from the Heaven level and transforms into Jing Water at the Earth level.
Functions and Effects: Descends turbidity and removes dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, reduce first then reinforce, or apply reinforcing and moxibustion, or prick to bleed; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi, or employ aquapuncture.
8 Shuai Gu (GB19)
Aliases: Shuaigu, Shuaigǔ, Shuaijiao, Shuarong.
Acupoint Meaning: The Yang-warm Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian absorbs moisture and undergoes cold descent here.
Name Explanation: Shuaigu. "Shuai" historically referred to a net for catching birds or leading. When catching birds with a net, the net covers from above, here indicating that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian begins to transform from Yang to Yin here. "Gu" refers to the gap between two mountains. The name Shuaigu implies that the water vapor of the Gallbladder Meridian absorbs heat here, transforms into Yang Qi, and ascends to the upper Heaven level. The substance here is weak, cool, damp water vapor transmitted from Qubin (GB18). Upon absorbing heat and ascending to this point, it reaches the highest altitude it can ascend. The water vapor begins to absorb moisture and undergoes cold descent, resembling a bird-catching net falling from a high place, hence named Shuaigu. The aliases Shuaigu, Shuaigǔ, Shuaijiao, and Shuarong have meanings identical to Shuaigu. Specifically, "Shuai" is interchangeable with "Shuai"; "Gu" indicates that the Qi and Blood in the acupoint exhibits the contracting characteristics of Kidney Water; "Jiao" indicates that this point is located at the angle of the ear; "Rong" indicates that this point accommodates the cold-damp water vapor transmitted externally into the acupoint.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is water vapor at the Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: After dissipating heat and absorbing moisture, it descends along the Gallbladder Meridian.
Functions and Effects: Collects and descends damp turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, reduce first then reinforce, or apply reinforcing and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
9 Tianchong (GB20)
Alias: Tianqu.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian absorbs heat here, expands and disperses, and rushes into the Heaven level of the head outside the meridian pathway.
Name Explanation: 1) Tianchong. "Tian" refers to the Qi and Blood of the Heaven level. "Chong" refers to the rushing motion of Qi and Blood. The name Tianchong implies that the Jing Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian absorbs heat, expands and disperses, and rushes from this point to various parts of the Heaven level. The substance here is water vapor transmitted from Shuaigu (GB19). Upon reaching this point, due to the heat transmitted from outside the acupoint, the water vapor expands and disperses, rushing into the Heaven level outside the Gallbladder Meridian, hence named Tianchong.
2) Tianqu. "Tian" refers to the Qi and Blood of the Heaven level. "Qu" refers to a four-way intersection or the appearance of interlacing branches, here indicating the outward output state of the Qi and Blood within the acupoint. The name Tianqu implies that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian is transmitted from here to various parts of the Heaven level. The rationale is the same as for Tianchong.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is Yang-warm Qi.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: It is transported from the acupoint to various parts of the Heaven level.
Functions and Effects: Tonifies Qi and supplements Yang.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
10 Fu Bai (GB21)
Acupoint Meaning: The Yang-warm wind qi of the Gallbladder Meridian transforms into a system of warm, damp water vapor clouds here.
Name Explanation: "Fu" means floating. "Bai" refers to the color white, associated with the Lung, here indicating that the Qi and Blood substance is a system of warm, damp water vapor clouds with the nature of Metal of the Lung. The name Fubai implies that the Yang-warm wind qi of the Gallbladder Meridian transforms into a system of warm, damp water vapor clouds here. The substance here is Yang-warm wind qi transmitted from Tianchong (GB20). Upon reaching this point, the wind force weakens and slows down. After dissipating heat and absorbing moisture, it transforms into warm water vapor with the nature of Lung Metal, resembling clouds floating in the Heaven level, hence named Fubai.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is warm, damp cloud vapor.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: After dissipating heat and absorbing moisture, it descends along the Gallbladder Meridian to Touqiaoyin (GB22).
Functions and Effects: Clears heat and removes dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, reduce first then reinforce, or apply reinforcing and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
11 Touqiaoyin (GB22)
Aliases: Qiaoyin, Zhenggu.
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian transform into heavy, damp water vapor clouds in the lower Heaven level here.
Name Explanation: 1) Touqiaoyin. "Tou" refers to the location of the acupoint on the head. "Qiao" means aperture or hollow. "Yin" refers to the Yin-damp water vapor substance within the acupoint. The name Touqiaoyin implies that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian transform into heavy, damp water vapor clouds in the lower Heaven level here. The substance here is water vapor clouds descending from Fubai (GB21). During the descent to this point, the water vapor clouds continuously dissipate heat and absorb moisture. Upon reaching this point, they transform into heavy, damp water vapor clouds in the lower Heaven level. The upper Heaven level is like a hollow, hence named Touqiaoyin.
2) Zhenggu. "Zhen" refers to the lowest point of the head during sleep, here indicating the location of this acupoint. "Gu" refers to water governed by the Kidney, here indicating that the Qi and Blood substance has the descending nature of cold-damp water vapor. The name Zhenggu implies that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian transforms into cold-natured water vapor clouds in the lower Heaven level at the location of the occipital bone. The rationale is the same as for Touqiaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is cold water vapor in the lower Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: It undergoes cold descent and transmits downward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Wangu (GB23).
Functions and Effects: Descends turbidity and dispels cold.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, reduce first then reinforce, or apply moxibustion, or prick to bleed; for heat patterns, apply reinforcing or employ aquapuncture.
12 Wangu (GB23)
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian completely undergo cold descent to become liquid at the Earth level here.
Name Explanation: "Wan" means complete or total. "Gu" refers to water governed by the Kidney. The name Wangu implies that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian completely undergo cold descent to become liquid at the Earth level here. The substance here is cold-damp water vapor transmitted from Touqiaoyin (GB22). Upon reaching this point, all the cold-damp water vapor from the Heaven level completely undergoes cold descent to become liquid at the Earth level, hence named Wangu.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is liquid at the Earth level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: It flows diffusely from the Earth level towards the lower neck.
Functions and Effects: Dredges and guides fluid.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, prick to bleed or apply reducing and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reinforcing or employ aquapuncture.
13 Benshen (GB24)
Acupoint Meaning: Condensed cold-damp water vapor in the Heaven level of the head gathers here and transmits along the Gallbladder Meridian.
Name Explanation: "Ben" refers to the root of a person, i.e., Qi, here indicating that the substance within the acupoint is Qi of the Heaven level. "Shen" refers to wind in the Heaven, indicating that the movement of the substance within the acupoint is horizontal movement of wind qi. The name Benshen implies that condensed cold-damp water vapor in the Heaven level of the head gathers here and transmits along the Gallbladder Meridian. Due to its location in the upper part of the temporal angle on the lateral side of the body, in the human coordinate system, it occupies the highest and most external position, similar to Baihui (DU20) on the vertex (Benshen and Baihui are like the peaks of two different mountains). Since no Qi and Blood transmitted along the meridian pathway converges at this point, the Qi and Blood within the acupoint is in a state of emptiness. Consequently, condensed cold-damp water vapor from the Heaven level outside the acupoint merges into the acupoint. The Qi and Blood within the acupoint consists purely of Heaven-level Qi, and its movement is horizontally transmitted downward to Yangbai (GB14), hence named Benshen.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is cool, damp water vapor in the upper Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: It further absorbs moisture, undergoes cold descent, and transmits downward to Yangbai (GB14).
Functions and Effects: Absorbs moisture and descends turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, prick to bleed, retain needles for a long time, or apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
14 Yangbai (GB15): Meeting point of Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels.
Acupoint Meaning: The cool, damp water vapor of the Gallbladder Meridian absorbs heat and expands here.
Name Explanation: 1) Yangbai. "Yang" refers to the Heaven level, i.e., Qi. "Bai" means bright and clear. The name Yangbai implies that the cool, damp water vapor of the Gallbladder Meridian absorbs heat and expands here. The substance here is cool, damp water vapor from the Heaven level transmitted from Benshen (GB24). Due to continuous heat absorption during descent, the water vapor absorbs heat and expands into warm, dry wind qi before even entering the acupoint, transmitting to various parts of the head. The Heaven level within the acupoint becomes bright and clear, hence named Yangbai.
2) Meeting point of Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels: The warm, dry wind qi that expands upon absorbing heat at this point not only transmits upward to Toulinqi (GB15) of the same meridian but also moves outward to the Yangwei Vessel, thus making this point the meeting point of the Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is dry Yang Qi.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: First, it transmits upward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Toulinqi (GB15); second, it moves outward to the Yangwei Vessel.
Functions and Effects: Generates Qi and strengthens Yang.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, prick to bleed, or apply reinforcing and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
15 Toulinqi (GB15)
Alias: Linchi.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian undergoes cold descent to become cold-damp water vapor here and descends from the Heaven level to the Earth level.
Name Explanation: Toulinqi. "Tou" indicates this acupoint is on the head, distinguishing it from Zulinqi (GB41). "Lin" means facing downwards from a high position, here indicating that the operation and transformation of Qi and Blood within the acupoint proceed from top to bottom. "Qi" means tears. The name Toulinqi implies that the Jing Qi of the Gallbladder Meridian undergoes cold descent to become cold-damp water vapor here and descends from the Heaven level to the Earth level. Water vapor within the acupoint drips from the Heaven level to the Earth level. The substance here is warm, dry wind qi transmitted upward from Yangbai (GB14). Upon reaching this point, it dissipates heat and absorbs moisture, transforming into cold-damp precipitation clouds. Raindrops descend from the Heaven level to the Earth level, resembling tears falling from above, hence named Toulinqi. The alias Linchi has the same meaning as Toulinqi; "Chi" refers to the fact that the Qi and Blood of this point are precipitation clouds in the Heaven level, rich in fluid.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is water vapor at the Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: Most of it transforms into rain and descends coldly to return to the Earth; a small portion absorbs heat and transmits upward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Mucuang (GB16).
Functions and Effects: Descends turbidity and raises the clear.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, prick to bleed, or apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi, or employ aquapuncture.
16 Mucuang (GB16): Meeting point of Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels.
Aliases: Zhirong, Zhigong.
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian absorb heat here and transform into warm, dry wind qi.
Name Explanation: 1) Mucuang. "Mu" refers to what the Liver governs, here indicating that the substance within the acupoint is wind qi with the nature of Wood of the Liver. "Chuang" means a channel for gas exchange. The name Mucuang implies that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian absorb heat here and transform into warm, dry wind qi. The substance here is weak water vapor transmitted from Toulinqi (GB15). Upon reaching this point, due to the heat transmitted from outside the acupoint, the weak water vapor absorbs heat, expands, and transforms into warm, dry wind qi, transmitting outside the acupoint, hence named Mucuang.
2) Zhirong. "Zhi" means utmost or extreme. "Rong" refers to the lush state of plants, here indicating that the warm, dry wind qi within the acupoint is full and plump. The name Zhirong implies that the Qi and Blood of the Gallbladder Meridian are in a full and plump state here. The rationale is the same as for Mucuang.
3) Zhigong. "Zhi" means utmost or extreme. "Gong" is a general term for ancient houses and also implies a barrier, here indicating that the Qi and Blood within the acupoint is full defensive Qi. The name Zhigong implies that the Qi and Blood within the acupoint is full defensive Yang Qi. The rationale is the same as for Mucuang.
4) Meeting point of Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels: The Qi and Blood at this point is full, warm, dry wind qi. On one hand, it transmits upward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Zhengying (GB17); on the other hand, it ascends and intersects with the Yangwei Vessel at the Heaven level, thus serving as the meeting point of the Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is warm, dry wind qi.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: First, it transmits upward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Zhengying (GB17); second, it moves outward to the Yangwei Vessel.
Functions and Effects: Tonifies Qi and strengthens Yang.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use reducing method to release Qi.
17 Zhengying (GB18): Meeting point of Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels.
Acupoint Meaning: The warm, dry wind qi of the Gallbladder Meridian dissipates heat and contracts here.
Name Explanation: 1) Zhengying. "Zheng" means proper or just right. "Ying" refers to a military camp, implying construction or rescue. The name Zhengying implies that the warm, dry wind qi of the Gallbladder Meridian dissipates heat, contracts, and transforms into Yang Qi at the Heaven level here. The substance here is warm, dry wind qi transmitted from Mucuang (GB16). Upon reaching this point, the warm, dry wind qi dissipates heat, contracts, and transforms into Yang Qi. The warm, dry wind qi does not turn into cold-damp Qi due to cold contraction. This point plays a proper role in maintaining the operational changes of Qi and Blood in the Heaven level, hence named Zhengying.
2) Meeting point of Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels: The Qi and Blood change at this point involves the dissipation of heat and contraction of warm, dry wind qi. With the contracting changes of Qi and Blood within the acupoint, the Qi and Blood of the Yangwei Vessel also merge into the acupoint, thus making this point the meeting point of the Foot-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The Qi and Blood substance is Yang Qi at the Heaven level.
Regulation of Qi and Blood Movement: It absorbs moisture, undergoes cold descent, and transmits downward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Chengling (GB19).