GB43 Clamped Stream

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

GB43 (Xiaxi, “Clamped Stream”) is the Ying-Spring Point point of the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression in the web margin between the fourth and fifth toes, just proximal to the margin and anterior to the metatarsophalangeal joint. It clears heat from the Gallbladder channel, subdues Liver Yang, benefits the ears, eyes, and head, and resolves damp-heat in the lower jiao.

Location

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression in the web margin between the fourth and fifth toes, just proximal to the margin and anterior to the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Needling

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Clears heat from the Gallbladder channel, subdues Liver Yang, benefits the ears, eyes, and head, and resolves damp-heat in the lower jiao..

Indications

Heat in the chest and hypochondrium, fullness in the chest and flanks, inability to turn the body, pain in the chest, pain in the hypochondrium, cough with reversal, inability to catch breath, fever, chills and fever, sweating, absence of sweating in heat disease, malaria, wind-type conditions, cold limbs, shortness of breath, vertigo, headache, pain in the outer canthus, red eyes, cheek pain, jaw pain, tinnitus, deafness, ear pain, swelling in the axilla, scrofula (ma dao), pain along the outer aspect of the leg, foot pain, madness, epilepsy, amenorrhea, lower abdominal hardness, breast abscess, breast swelling and ulceration, preference for biting the cheeks..

Ying-Spring PointWater Point

Clinical notes

As the Ying-Spring and Water point of the Gallbladder channel, Xiaxi is a primary point for clearing heat. It is especially effective for heat rising along the channel to the head, manifesting as migraine, tinnitus, vertigo, and red, painful eyes. Its ability to clear heat and resolve dampness also makes it a key distal point for flank pain, hypochondriac fullness, and inflammatory conditions like breast abscesses and axillary swelling.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

GB43 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB43 located?

GB43 (Xiaxi) is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression in the web margin between the fourth and fifth toes, just proximal to the margin and anterior to the metatarsophalangeal joint.

What is GB43 used for?

GB43 clears heat from the Gallbladder channel, subdues Liver Yang, benefits the ears, eyes, and head, and resolves damp-heat in the lower jiao. Common clinical indications include heat in the chest and hypochondrium, fullness in the chest and flanks, inability to turn the body, pain in the chest, pain in the hypochondrium, cough with reversal, inability to catch breath, fever, chills and fever, sweating, absence of sweating in heat disease, malaria, wind-type conditions, cold limbs, shortness of breath, vertigo, headache, pain in the outer canthus, red eyes, cheek pain, jaw pain, tinnitus, deafness, ear pain, swelling in the axilla, scrofula (ma dao), pain along the outer aspect of the leg, foot pain, madness, epilepsy, amenorrhea, lower abdominal hardness, breast abscess, breast swelling and ulceration, preference for biting the cheeks.

How is GB43 needled?

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Which meridian is GB43 on?

GB43 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.