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POINT: GB-22 (GALL BLADDER-22)

NAME: YUANYE

English: Armpit Abyss
Also Known As: Gulf's Fluids

LOCATION:

  • On the mid-axillary line, when the arm is raised, 3 cun below the axilla in the fourth intercostal space.
  • On the mid-axillary line, in the fifth intercostal space, approximately 3 cun inferior to the apex of the axilla, at the level of the nipple.

NEEDLING:

  • Puncture obliquely 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
  • Transverse-oblique insertion along the intercostal space 0.5 to 1 cun.
  • Caution: deep or perpendicular needling may induce a pneumothorax.
  • Slanted insertion, 0.5 to 0.8 cun.

COMMAND FUNCTIONS:

ACTIONS:

  • Regulates the Qi
  • Unbinds the chest
  • Benefits the axilla

INDICATIONS:

  • Fullness of the chest
  • Swelling of the axillary region
  • Pain of the hypochondriac region
  • Pain and motor impairment of the arm
  • Pain of the shoulder and arm
  • Inability to raise the arm
  • Axillary lymphadenitis
  • Cough
  • Chills and fever
  • Pain of the lateral costal region
  • Scrofula of the axilla
  • Saber lumps
  • Pleurisy
  • Intercostal neuralgia

COMBINATIONS:

SJ-4
Zhigou
SJ-5
Waiguan
GB-41
Zulinqi

   

Saber lumps of the axilla

   

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

  • Several classical texts prohibit moxibustion on this point.

NOTES:

  • Some sources locate this point in the fourth intercostal space.