GB39 Xuanzhong

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

GB39 (Xuanzhong, “Xuanzhong”) is the Eight Influential Point (Marrow) point of the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the lateral malleolus, in the depression between the posterior border of the fibula and the tendons of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles. It nourishes marrow and essence, benefits the sinews and bones, clears Gallbladder heat, activates the channel and alleviates pain, assists the neck and head.

Location

On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the lateral malleolus, in the depression between the posterior border of the fibula and the tendons of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun, towards the anterior border of the fibula.

TCM functions

Nourishes marrow and essence, benefits the sinews and bones, clears Gallbladder heat, activates the channel and alleviates pain, assists the neck and head..

Indications

Abdominal fullness, infantile abdominal fullness with poor appetite, desire to vomit from heat illness, mad walking with irritability, hemiplegia, flaccidity and weakness of the leg, pain in the neck, chest, hypochondrium, thigh, shin, and all joints, pain in the lower leg that prevents standing, cold and heat sensations, malaria, axillary swelling, pain in the lumbar region, pain in the flesh that cannot be coughed, pain in the sinews from coughing, pain in the skin as if pricked by a needle, inability to bend, extend, or turn the head, foot pain, acid sensation in the feet, inability to eat, intestinal rumbling, coldness of the feet, epilepsy, pain in the lumbar region with a feeling of a small hammer inside and swelling, pain and numbness of the lower body, pain in the skin, cold sensation with sweating, pain in the lumbar region with a feeling of a wooden plank, urinary incontinence..

Eight Influential Point (Marrow)

Clinical notes

As the Influential Point of Marrow, Xuanzhong is a primary point for nourishing the brain, spinal cord, bones, and blood. It is therefore essential in treating conditions involving weakness, atrophy, and developmental issues, as well as post-stroke hemiplegia and various neurological and degenerative disorders. Its location on the lower leg also makes it a powerful distal point for stiffness and pain in the neck, a common clinical application. Furthermore, it addresses a wide range of channel-related pains along the entire Gallbladder meridian, from the head and chest down to the leg.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

GB39 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB39 located?

GB39 (Xuanzhong) is located on the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the lateral malleolus, in the depression between the posterior border of the fibula and the tendons of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles.

What is GB39 used for?

GB39 nourishes marrow and essence, benefits the sinews and bones, clears Gallbladder heat, activates the channel and alleviates pain, assists the neck and head. Common clinical indications include abdominal fullness, infantile abdominal fullness with poor appetite, desire to vomit from heat illness, mad walking with irritability, hemiplegia, flaccidity and weakness of the leg, pain in the neck, chest, hypochondrium, thigh, shin, and all joints, pain in the lower leg that prevents standing, cold and heat sensations, malaria, axillary swelling, pain in the lumbar region, pain in the flesh that cannot be coughed, pain in the sinews from coughing, pain in the skin as if pricked by a needle, inability to bend, extend, or turn the head, foot pain, acid sensation in the feet, inability to eat, intestinal rumbling, coldness of the feet, epilepsy, pain in the lumbar region with a feeling of a small hammer inside and swelling, pain and numbness of the lower body, pain in the skin, cold sensation with sweating, pain in the lumbar region with a feeling of a wooden plank, urinary incontinence.

How is GB39 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun, towards the anterior border of the fibula.

Which meridian is GB39 on?

GB39 is a point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyáng Dǎnjīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ 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.