GB5 Suspended Skull

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

GB5 (Xuánlú, “Suspended Skull”) is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located on the side of the head, within the temporal region, superior to the zygomatic arch. The point is located in the area described as 'in the middle of the temple' and superior to the 'curved border' , which refers to the hairline curvature at the temple. It is situated between Hanyan (GB4) and Xuanli (GB6). It dispels wind, clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits the head and sensory orifices.

Location

On the side of the head, within the temporal region, superior to the zygomatic arch. The point is located in the area described as 'in the middle of the temple' and superior to the 'curved border' , which refers to the hairline curvature at the temple. It is situated between Hanyan (GB4) and Xuanli (GB6).

Needling

Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, 0.5 to 1.5 cun, often directed anteriorly or posteriorly to address headache.

TCM functions

Dispels wind, clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits the head and sensory orifices..

Indications

Heat disease with vexation and fullness, inability to sweat, one-sided headache, headache with heat in the body, pain that pulls on the outer canthus of the eye, redness of the outer canthus, toothache, nasal congestion with thick, turbid discharge (rhinorrhea), blurred vision, heavy sensation in the head, heat disease with a heavy body..

Clinical notes

Xuánlú is a primary local point for treating one-sided or temporal headaches, especially those with a heat component, as indicated by its classical use for heat disease with headache and eye redness. Its ability to address vexation, fullness, and lack of sweating suggests it clears constrained heat from the Shaoyang and Yangming channels of the head. It is also effective for referred pain to the eyes and teeth, and for certain types of nasal discharge, reflecting its role in clearing the upper orifices.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

GB5 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB5 located?

GB5 (Xuánlú) is located on the side of the head, within the temporal region, superior to the zygomatic arch. The point is located in the area described as 'in the middle of the temple' and superior to the 'curved border' , which refers to the hairline curvature at the temple. It is situated between Hanyan (GB4) and Xuanli (GB6).

What is GB5 used for?

GB5 dispels wind, clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits the head and sensory orifices. Common clinical indications include heat disease with vexation and fullness, inability to sweat, one-sided headache, headache with heat in the body, pain that pulls on the outer canthus of the eye, redness of the outer canthus, toothache, nasal congestion with thick, turbid discharge (rhinorrhea), blurred vision, heavy sensation in the head, heat disease with a heavy body.

How is GB5 needled?

Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, 0.5 to 1.5 cun, often directed anteriorly or posteriorly to address headache.

Which meridian is GB5 on?

GB5 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.