GB 40 — Qiū Xū (丘墟) — Mound Ruins
On this page
1. Overview
GB 40 — Qiū Xū (丘墟) — is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian. Its English name, Mound Ruins, 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, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus, lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum longus.
3. Actions
- Yuan-Source point of the Gallbladder — spreads Liver and Gallbladder Qi
- Clears Gallbladder Damp-Heat
- Primary local point for lateral ankle pain and sprains
4. Indications
- Lateral ankle sprain and ankle pain — the primary local point
- Chest and hypochondriac pain from Gallbladder Qi stagnation
- Bitter taste and nausea from Gallbladder Damp-Heat
- Neck stiffness via the Gallbladder channel
- Sciatica along the Gallbladder channel
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–0.8 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 40 is the Yuan-Source point of the Gallbladder and the primary local point for lateral ankle pain and sprains. For acute lateral ankle sprain, GB 40 combined with BL 62 and local ashi points is the standard prescription. Its Yuan-Source status makes it useful for hypochondriac pain and Gallbladder Damp-Heat conditions.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GB 40 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Sciatica, Hip 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.
