GB33 (Xiyangguan, “Xiyangguan”) is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the knee, in the depression between the biceps femoris tendon and the iliotibial band, superior and posterior to the lateral epicondyle of the femur; 3 cun above GB34 (Yanglingquan). It modern research indicates GB33 is used in protocols aimed at addressing pain and motor symptoms, particularly in the context of knee osteoarthritis and Parkinson's disease. It has also been identified as a frequently sensitized acupoint in knee osteoarthritis.
On the lateral aspect of the knee, in the depression between the biceps femoris tendon and the iliotibial band, superior and posterior to the lateral epicondyle of the femur; 3 cun above GB34 (Yanglingquan).
Needling techniques observed in modern research include the use of acupuncture needles typically 0.25 mm gauge and 25-40 mm in length. For electroacupuncture, needles of 0.22 x 25 mm or 0.30 x 25/40 mm have been used, with stimulation frequencies around 2 Hz or 100 Hz, increased until local muscle contraction is apparent or with a current of 0.1-1.0 mA. The 'De qi' sensation (soreness, numbness, distension, or pain) is often sought. In some protocols, auxiliary needles are punctured 2 mm lateral to the point and 2 mm deep for electroacupuncture.
Modern research indicates GB33 is used in protocols aimed at addressing pain and motor symptoms, particularly in the context of knee osteoarthritis and Parkinson's disease. It has also been identified as a frequently sensitized acupoint in knee osteoarthritis.
Based on modern research, GB33 is indicated for conditions such as knee osteoarthritis (KOA), Parkinson's disease, and migraine. It has also been used in studies investigating analgesia in canine osteoarthritis.
Due to the absence of classical excerpts, the specific clinical applications and needling instructions for GB33 are not supported by the provided historical texts.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《黃帝內經》 Huángdì Nèijīng — The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, c. 2nd–1st c. BCE · gu-kong-lun · Source: Wikisource ↗
鼠瘻寒熱，還刺寒府，寒府在附膝外解營The text records that for mouse fistula (scrofula-like swellings) with chills and fever one should needle Hanfu, which lies at the outer joint cleft beside the knee; Hanfu is the name under which GB33 appears here.
GB33 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:
GB33 (Xiyangguan) is located on the lateral aspect of the knee, in the depression between the biceps femoris tendon and the iliotibial band, superior and posterior to the lateral epicondyle of the femur; 3 cun above GB34 (Yanglingquan).
GB33 modern research indicates GB33 is used in protocols aimed at addressing pain and motor symptoms, particularly in the context of knee osteoarthritis and Parkinson's disease. It has also been identified as a frequently sensitized acupoint in knee osteoarthritis. Common clinical indications include based on modern research, GB33 is indicated for conditions such as knee osteoarthritis (KOA), Parkinson's disease, and migraine. It has also been used in studies investigating analgesia in canine osteoarthritis.
Needling techniques observed in modern research include the use of acupuncture needles typically 0.25 mm gauge and 25-40 mm in length. For electroacupuncture, needles of 0.22 x 25 mm or 0.30 x 25/40 mm have been used, with stimulation frequencies around 2 Hz or 100 Hz, increased until local muscle contraction is apparent or with a current of 0.1-1.0 mA. The 'De qi' sensation (soreness, numbness, distension, or pain) is often sought. In some protocols, auxiliary needles are punctured 2 mm lateral to the point and 2 mm deep for electroacupuncture.
GB33 is a point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyáng Dǎnjīng).