GB 39 — Xuán Zhōng (悬钟) — Suspended Bell
On this page
1. Overview
GB 39 — Xuán Zhōng (悬钟) — is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian. Its English name, Suspended Bell, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice 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 practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
3 cun above the tip of the lateral malleolus, between the posterior border of the fibula and the peroneal tendons.
3. Actions
- Influential point for all Marrow — bone marrow, brain and spinal cord
- Benefits the brain and nervous system
- Expels Wind-Damp from the channels
- Classical distal point for neck stiffness
4. Indications
- Neck stiffness and cervical spondylosis — classical distal point
- Neurological conditions via the Marrow connection
- Osteoporosis and bone conditions
- Lateral ankle pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.6–1.0 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
GB 39 is the Influential (Hui) point for all Marrow (bone marrow, brain and spinal cord). This makes it important for neurological conditions and brain disorders. As a distal point it is classically used for acute neck stiffness — combined with GB 20, BL 10 and GV 14 for acute torticollis. Its Marrow connection is relevant for MS and post-stroke rehabilitation.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GB 39 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Neck 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.
