GB6 Xuánlí

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

GB6 (Xuánlí, “Xuánlí”) is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located on the side of the head, within the hairline, approximately at the junction of the lower one-quarter and upper three-quarters of a curved line drawn from ST8 (Touwei) to GB7 (Qubin). It dispels wind, alleviates pain, and clears the head and eyes.

Location

On the side of the head, within the hairline, approximately at the junction of the lower one-quarter and upper three-quarters of a curved line drawn from ST8 (Touwei) to GB7 (Qubin).

Needling

Subcutaneous insertion, 0.5 to 1.5 cun, often directed towards the site of pain.

TCM functions

Dispels wind, alleviates pain, and clears the head and eyes..

Indications

One-sided headache, facial swelling, pain in the outer canthus of the eye, redness and pain of the eye, toothache, tinnitus, frequent sneezing..

Clinical notes

Xuánlí is a key local point for temporal or one-sided headaches, especially those with a wind-related or Gallbladder channel pattern. Its location makes it effective for pain radiating from the temple to the eye or jaw. It is often used in combination with other local and distal points to treat migraine and tension headaches.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

GB6 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB6 located?

GB6 (Xuánlí) is located on the side of the head, within the hairline, approximately at the junction of the lower one-quarter and upper three-quarters of a curved line drawn from ST8 (Touwei) to GB7 (Qubin).

What is GB6 used for?

GB6 dispels wind, alleviates pain, and clears the head and eyes. Common clinical indications include one-sided headache, facial swelling, pain in the outer canthus of the eye, redness and pain of the eye, toothache, tinnitus, frequent sneezing.

How is GB6 needled?

Subcutaneous insertion, 0.5 to 1.5 cun, often directed towards the site of pain.

Which meridian is GB6 on?

GB6 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.