Yang Mound Spring
阳陵泉 Yáng Líng Quán · GB-34
About GB-34 Yang Mound Spring
GB-34 Yanglingquan holds a unique distinction in acupuncture: it is the hui-meeting point of the sinews (tendons, ligaments, and muscles), making it the single most important point for treating musculoskeletal conditions involving soft tissue. Any disorder of tendons, ligaments, or muscles -- regardless of location in the body -- falls within its therapeutic scope. This extraordinary designation elevates it above a mere local or channel point to a systemic treatment point for the entire musculoskeletal system.
The name 'Yang Mound Spring' mirrors SP-9 Yinlingquan ('Yin Mound Spring') on the opposite side of the knee. Where SP-9 addresses yin fluid conditions (dampness, edema), GB-34 addresses yang structural conditions (sinew tension, joint stiffness, muscular pain). Together they form a complementary pair that can treat both the fluid and structural components of knee and leg disorders.
As the he-sea point of the Gallbladder meridian, Yanglingquan also has significant influence on the Gallbladder organ and its paired organ, the Liver. It smooths the flow of Liver and Gallbladder qi, resolves damp-heat in the hepatobiliary system (useful for gallstones, cholecystitis, and jaundice), and addresses the emotional tension (frustration, indecisiveness, resentment) associated with Liver-Gallbladder disharmony. The Gallbladder governs decisiveness in TCM, and stimulating its he-sea point can help resolve the stuck, frustrated feeling of being unable to choose or act.
How to Find This Point
Feel for the small round bone that protrudes on the outer side of the leg, just below the knee (the head of the fibula). The point is in the depression just in front of and below this bone.
Technique
Press firmly with the thumb into the depression in front of and below the fibula head. Deep sustained pressure or circular kneading. The point often produces a strong ache or sensation radiating down the lateral leg.
Pressure & Duration
Firm pressure for 2-3 minutes per side.
Benefits
Benefits the sinews and joints, smooths the flow of Liver and Gallbladder qi, resolves damp-heat, relaxes the lateral aspect of the body
Indications
Muscle and tendon disorders, knee pain (lateral), hip pain, sciatica, rib-side pain, bitter taste, nausea, jaundice, leg weakness, ankle sprains, shoulder pain
TCM Actions
Benefits the sinews and joints (hui-meeting point of the sinews), smooths Liver qi, resolves damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, activates the channel, he-sea point of the Gallbladder meridian
Self-Care Use
Press in front of the outer knee bone for any muscle, tendon, or joint problem anywhere in the body. As the master point of the sinews, GB-34 has a broad relaxing and healing effect on all musculoskeletal tissue. Also excellent for lateral knee pain, hip tightness, and rib-side discomfort. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes per side. A go-to point for athletes and anyone with chronic muscle tension.
Contraindications & Cautions
No major contraindications. Use caution with deep pressure if there is peroneal nerve sensitivity at the fibular head.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the GB-34 Yang Mound Spring acupressure point located?
GB-34 Yang Mound Spring (Yáng Líng Quán) is located at: In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula, on the lateral aspect of the lower leg. Feel for the small round bone that protrudes on the outer side of the leg, just below the knee (the head of the fibula). The point is in the depression just in front of and below this bone.
How long should I press GB-34 Yang Mound Spring?
Apply firm pressure to GB-34 for 2-3 minutes per side. Press firmly with the thumb into the depression in front of and below the fibula head. Deep sustained pressure or circular kneading. The point often produces a strong ache or sensation radiating down
What are the benefits of stimulating GB-34 Yang Mound Spring?
Benefits the sinews and joints, smooths the flow of Liver and Gallbladder qi, resolves damp-heat, relaxes the lateral aspect of the body
Is it safe to do acupressure on GB-34 at home?
Press in front of the outer knee bone for any muscle, tendon, or joint problem anywhere in the body. As the master point of the sinews, GB-34 has a broad relaxing and healing effect on all musculoskel Cautions: No major contraindications. Use caution with deep pressure if there is peroneal nerve sensitivity at the fibular head.
Which meridian does GB-34 belong to?
GB-34 Yang Mound Spring belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, which is associated with the Earth (he-sea point of Wood meridian) element. Its TCM actions include: Benefits the sinews and joints (hui-meeting point of the sinews), smooths Liver qi, resolves damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, activates the channel, he-sea point of the Gallbladder meridian