Foot Governor of Tears
足临泣 Zú Lín Qì · GB-41
About GB-41 Foot Governor of Tears
GB-41 Zulinqi is the shu-stream point of the Gallbladder meridian and the confluent point of the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), the only horizontal vessel in the body that encircles the waist like a belt. This dual function gives Zulinqi the ability to address both shaoyang channel pathology (one-sided headaches, rib-side pain, ear and eye disorders) and Dai Mai imbalances (vaginal discharge, hip pain, lower abdominal distension, and the sensation of being constricted around the waist).
The name 'Foot Governor of Tears' refers to the Gallbladder channel's pathway through the eye region and the point's ability to affect lacrimation and eye conditions. The character 'lin' means to be on the verge of, suggesting the point's capacity to address conditions that are about to overflow -- tears about to fall, emotions about to burst, headaches about to peak. In practice, this makes Zulinqi particularly useful for the prodrome phase of migraines and for the premenstrual buildup of breast distension and irritability.
Paired with TB-5 Waiguan, GB-41 opens the Dai Mai, addressing the horizontal flow of qi around the body's midsection. The Dai Mai binds all the vertical channels as they pass through the waist, and when it becomes constrained, qi stagnates in the chest and ribs, the hips tighten, and vaginal discharge may increase from dampness sinking below the belt. This pairing is one of the most important Extraordinary Vessel combinations in clinical practice.
How to Find This Point
On the top of the foot, trace the bones leading to the fourth and fifth toes backward toward the ankle. Where these two bones meet, there is a depression on the outer side of the tendon running to the little toe. The point is in that depression.
Technique
Press with the fingertip or thumb into the depression between the metatarsal bones. Moderate to firm sustained pressure. The point may feel quite tender.
Pressure & Duration
Moderate to firm pressure for 1-2 minutes per side.
Benefits
Spreads Liver qi, resolves damp-heat, benefits the eyes, clears the head, regulates the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), benefits the breast
Indications
One-sided headache (migraine), eye pain, breast distension, irregular menstruation, rib-side pain, foot pain, dizziness, vaginal discharge, hip pain
TCM Actions
Spreads Liver qi, resolves damp-heat, benefits the eyes, clears the head, regulates the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), shu-stream point of the Gallbladder meridian, confluent point of the Dai Mai
Self-Care Use
Press between the fourth and fifth toe bones on the top of the foot for one-sided headaches (migraines), breast tenderness before menstruation, and rib-side discomfort. This point opens the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), which encircles the waist and regulates the flow between the upper and lower body. Useful when qi feels stuck in the chest or sides. 1-2 minutes per side.
Contraindications & Cautions
Use caution during pregnancy. Avoid if there is an open wound or fracture on the dorsum of the foot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the GB-41 Foot Governor of Tears acupressure point located?
GB-41 Foot Governor of Tears (Zú Lín Qì) is located at: In the depression distal to the junction of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digiti minimi. On the top of the foot, trace the bones leading to the fourth and fifth toes backward toward the ankle. Where these two bones meet, there is a depression on the outer side of the tendon running to the
How long should I press GB-41 Foot Governor of Tears?
Apply moderate to firm pressure to GB-41 for 1-2 minutes per side. Press with the fingertip or thumb into the depression between the metatarsal bones. Moderate to firm sustained pressure. The point may feel quite tender.
What are the benefits of stimulating GB-41 Foot Governor of Tears?
Spreads Liver qi, resolves damp-heat, benefits the eyes, clears the head, regulates the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), benefits the breast
Is it safe to do acupressure on GB-41 at home?
Press between the fourth and fifth toe bones on the top of the foot for one-sided headaches (migraines), breast tenderness before menstruation, and rib-side discomfort. This point opens the Dai Mai (B Cautions: Use caution during pregnancy. Avoid if there is an open wound or fracture on the dorsum of the foot.
Which meridian does GB-41 belong to?
GB-41 Foot Governor of Tears belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, which is associated with the Wood (shu-stream point of Wood meridian) element. Its TCM actions include: Spreads Liver qi, resolves damp-heat, benefits the eyes, clears the head, regulates the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), shu-stream point of the Gallbladder meridian, confluent point of the Dai Mai