GB11 Head's Yin Orifice

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

GB11 (Touqiaoyin, “Head's Yin Orifice”) is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located on the side of the head, in the depression superior to the mastoid process (Wangu, GB12) and inferior to the occipital bone. This point is found in a palpable depression that moves when the head is shaken. It clears heat, benefits the head, ears, and throat, alleviates pain, and dispels wind.

Location

On the side of the head, in the depression superior to the mastoid process (Wangu, GB12) and inferior to the occipital bone. This point is found in a palpable depression that moves when the head is shaken.

Needling

Subcutaneous insertion, 0.3-0.5 cun, typically directed inferiorly or along the scalp.

TCM functions

Clears heat, benefits the head, ears, and throat, alleviates pain, and dispels wind..

Indications

Headache that pulls on the neck, pain in the head, neck, and jaw that radiates to the ear, tinnitus, deafness, tongue stiffness, bleeding from the base of the tongue, sore throat, cough with phlegm, fever and chills, hand and foot heat with inability to sweat, bone fatigue, carbuncles and sores, leprosy, bitter taste in the mouth, pain in the hypochondrium..

Clinical notes

Touqiaoyin is a significant local point for disorders affecting the ear and the surrounding region. Its classical indications for headache, neck pain, tinnitus, and deafness are still its primary modern uses. As a meeting point of three yang channels, it is effective for clearing wind and heat from the head, making it useful for externally contracted conditions presenting with headache and fever. It is often used in combination with other local points like GB12 and GB20 to treat a variety of head and neck complaints.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

GB11 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB11 located?

GB11 (Touqiaoyin) is located on the side of the head, in the depression superior to the mastoid process (Wangu, GB12) and inferior to the occipital bone. This point is found in a palpable depression that moves when the head is shaken.

What is GB11 used for?

GB11 clears heat, benefits the head, ears, and throat, alleviates pain, and dispels wind. Common clinical indications include headache that pulls on the neck, pain in the head, neck, and jaw that radiates to the ear, tinnitus, deafness, tongue stiffness, bleeding from the base of the tongue, sore throat, cough with phlegm, fever and chills, hand and foot heat with inability to sweat, bone fatigue, carbuncles and sores, leprosy, bitter taste in the mouth, pain in the hypochondrium.

How is GB11 needled?

Subcutaneous insertion, 0.3-0.5 cun, typically directed inferiorly or along the scalp.

Which meridian is GB11 on?

GB11 is a point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyáng Dǎnjīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.