GB 30 — Huán Tiào (环跳) — Jumping Circle

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

GB 30 — Huán Tiào (环跳) — is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian. Its English name, Jumping Circle, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of 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 30 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

At the junction of the lateral one-third and medial two-thirds of the distance between the greater trochanter and the sacral hiatus (GV 2). With the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the hip flexed.

3. Actions

1. Activates the meridian and relieves pain in the hip and lower limb
2. Dispels Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome from the hip joint
3. Benefits the hip joint and the entire Gallbladder channel of the leg

4. Indications

1. Sciatica — the most important point for sciatic pain
2. Hip pain from osteoarthritis, bursitis or piriformis syndrome
3. Low back pain radiating to the leg
4. Hemiplegia and lower limb paralysis
5. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome of the hip and lower extremity

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 2.0–3.0 cun. A strong propagated De Qi sensation radiating down the leg into the foot confirms correct location and indicates the sciatic nerve territory is being stimulated — this is the desired response for sciatica.

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 30 is the meeting point of the Gallbladder and Bladder meridians and is indispensable for the treatment of sciatica and hip pain. The propagated De Qi sensation radiating from the hip down the leg and into the foot — mimicking the patient's sciatic symptoms — confirms correct depth and direction and is associated with the best clinical outcomes. GB 30 is typically combined with BL 40, BL 60, BL 23 and GB 34 to form the complete sciatica prescription. For hip pain, it is combined with GB 29 (Juliao) and local points around the greater trochanter.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use GB 30 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Sciatica, Hip pain, Back pain. 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.