GB 3 — Shàng Guān (上关) — Above the Joint
On this page
1. Overview
GB 3 — Shàng Guān (上关) — is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian. Its English name, Above the Joint, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used in acupuncture practice as part of channel-balancing prescriptions for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use GB 3 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the superior margin of the zygomatic arch, directly above ST-7 Xiaguan.
3. Actions
- Eliminates Wind
- Benefits the ears
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
4. Indications
- Tinnitus
- Deafness
- Otitis media
- Toothache
- Lockjaw
- Facial paralysis
- Toothache of the upper jaw
- Stiffness of the lips
- Hemiplegia
5. Needling
Straight insertion 0.7 to 1 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
GB 3 Shàng Guān (Above the Joint) is classified as: Meeting point of the Stomach and San Jiao channels. These classifications inform how the point is used in clinical practice. The point is typically combined with other channel points to form a balanced prescription based on the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GB 3 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Tinnitus, Facial paralysis, Hemiplegia, Headache. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
