GB41 Foot Overlooking Tears

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

GB41 (Zulinqi, “Foot Overlooking Tears”) is the Shu-Stream point point of the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the heads of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, 1.5 cun posterior to GB43 (Xiaxi). It spreads Liver Qi, clears Gallbladder heat, resolves damp-heat, benefits the chest, hypochondrium and breasts, subdues rising Liver Yang, and activates the channel to alleviate pain.

Location

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the heads of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, 1.5 cun posterior to GB43 (Xiaxi).

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Spreads Liver Qi, clears Gallbladder heat, resolves damp-heat, benefits the chest, hypochondrium and breasts, subdues rising Liver Yang, and activates the channel to alleviate pain..

Indications

Irregular menstruation, breast abscess, breast swelling, heart pain, generalized body aches that move without a fixed location (Zhou Bi), wheezing with inability to walk, malaria that presents in the late afternoon, chronic malaria in children, chest fullness, pain in the supraclavicular fossa, axillary pain, pain and swelling of the dorsum of the foot, hand and foot numbness, trembling fingers, red eyes with cold tearing, sore throat, pain in the thigh and hip, swelling of the legs and knees, generalized body swelling, body numbness, dizziness, muscle cramps, bone pain, cheek pain, thunder headache, eye pain and swelling, hemiplegia..

Shu-Stream pointWood pointEight Confluent Points

Clinical notes

As the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the Gallbladder channel, GB41 is excellent for alleviating pain and stagnation along the entire channel, from headaches and eye pain to hypochondriac and leg pain. Its most famous function is as the master point of the Dai Mai (Girdling Vessel), making it a primary point for gynecological issues like irregular menstruation and leukorrhea, as well as for pain in the hips and lumbar region. When paired with SJ5, its coupled point, it strongly addresses conditions of the head, eyes, ears, and lateral aspect of the body.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

GB41 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB41 located?

GB41 (Zulinqi) is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the heads of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, 1.5 cun posterior to GB43 (Xiaxi).

What is GB41 used for?

GB41 spreads Liver Qi, clears Gallbladder heat, resolves damp-heat, benefits the chest, hypochondrium and breasts, subdues rising Liver Yang, and activates the channel to alleviate pain. Common clinical indications include irregular menstruation, breast abscess, breast swelling, heart pain, generalized body aches that move without a fixed location (Zhou Bi), wheezing with inability to walk, malaria that presents in the late afternoon, chronic malaria in children, chest fullness, pain in the supraclavicular fossa, axillary pain, pain and swelling of the dorsum of the foot, hand and foot numbness, trembling fingers, red eyes with cold tearing, sore throat, pain in the thigh and hip, swelling of the legs and knees, generalized body swelling, body numbness, dizziness, muscle cramps, bone pain, cheek pain, thunder headache, eye pain and swelling, hemiplegia.

How is GB41 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

Which meridian is GB41 on?

GB41 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.