GB 41 — Zú Lín Qì (足临泣) — Foot Above Tears
On this page
1. Overview
GB 41 — Zú Lín Qì (足临泣) — is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian. Its English name, Foot Above Tears, 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 41 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
In the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digiti minimi pedis.
3. Actions
- Opens and regulates the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
- Spreads Liver Qi and resolves Damp-Heat
- Benefits the breasts and hypochondriac region
- Eliminates Wind and resolves Phlegm
4. Indications
- Breast pain, distension and mastitis from Liver Qi stagnation
- Migraine — particularly unilateral temporal headache along the Gallbladder channel
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Hypochondriac pain and rib pain
- Leucorrhoea and vaginal discharge via the Dai Mai
- Foot and toe pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 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 41 is the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the Gallbladder meridian and the opening point of the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), paired with TB 5 to open this extraordinary vessel. The Dai Mai regulates the flow of Qi through the waist and belt region, governs leucorrhoea and connects all the longitudinal meridians. GB 41 is an important point for unilateral migraines following the Gallbladder channel, and for breast conditions including cyclical mastalgia and mastitis through its action on the Liver-Gallbladder axis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GB 41 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Migraines, Headaches, Endometriosis. 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.
