Gallbladder Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyáng Dǎnjīng, 足少陽膽經) is a primary channel in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with the Wood phase, Yang in polarity, interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Liver. The Gallbladder channel governs decision-making, courage, and the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, particularly in the lateral aspects.
| Chinese | 足少陽膽經 |
| Pinyin | Zú Shàoyáng Dǎnjīng |
| Group | primary |
| Element | Wood |
| Yin / Yang | Yang |
| Organ | Gallbladder |
| Paired organ | Liver |
| Organ clock | 23:00-01:00 |
| Number of points | 44 |
The Gallbladder channel originates at the outer canthus (GB1), ascends to the corner of the forehead, then descends behind the ear, crossing the mastoid process and entering the ear. It then re-emerges, ascends to the forehead, and descends over the cheek to the supraclavicular fossa. From the supraclavicular fossa, it descends through the chest and diaphragm, entering the Gallbladder and connecting with the Liver. A superficial branch descends along the lateral aspect of the chest and hypochondrium, passing the hip joint, and continuing down the lateral aspect of the thigh and leg to terminate at the lateral side of the fourth toe (GB44).
The Gallbladder channel governs decision-making, courage, and the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, particularly in the lateral aspects. It is responsible for storing and excreting bile, influencing digestion and the proper functioning of the Liver. It also plays a significant role in musculoskeletal health, especially in the hips, knees, and lateral trunk.
Disorders of the Gallbladder channel often manifest as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and pain along its pathway, including the hypochondrium, hip, and lateral leg. Emotional symptoms like indecisiveness, timidity, or excessive irritability may also arise. Digestive issues such as bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, and vomiting can indicate channel imbalance.
The Gallbladder channel originates at the outer canthus (GB1), ascends to the corner of the forehead, then descends behind the ear, crossing the mastoid process and entering the ear. It then re-emerges, ascends to the forehead, and descends over the cheek to the supraclavicular fossa. From the supraclavicular fossa, it descends through the chest and diaphragm, entering the Gallbladder and connecting with the Liver. A superficial branch descends along the lateral aspect of the chest and hypochondrium, passing the hip joint, and continuing down the lateral aspect of the thigh and leg to terminate at the lateral side of the fourth toe (GB44).
The Gallbladder channel governs decision-making, courage, and the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, particularly in the lateral aspects. It is responsible for storing and excreting bile, influencing digestion and the proper functioning of the Liver. It also plays a significant role in musculoskeletal health, especially in the hips, knees, and lateral trunk.
The Gallbladder Channel Meridian has 44 acupuncture points, from GB1 to GB44.