Location
Anterior and inferior to the external malleolus in the depression on the lateral side of the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus.
Cautions
No specific contraindications.
Indications
Conditions for which GB40 is listed as indicated. An indication list is a reference index, not a prescription – see the protocols below for sourced treatments.
Muscle WastingBenefit JointsBenefit JointsBenefit Regulate Qi LiverBenefit Regulate ShaoyangChillsCommon ColdCramping LegCramping LegShan DisorderShan DisorderChest BloatingChest BloatingCostal Lateral BloatingCostal Lateral BloatingBreathing Shortness Of Breath ProblemsBreathing Shortness Of Breath ProblemsEyesight / Vision PoorPoor VisionEyesight / Vision Superficial ObstructionSuperficial Obstruction VisionFeverHardness Abdomen InferiorHardness Abdomen InferiorHeat GallbladderHeat GallbladderHerpes ZosterFoot Drop StiffnessImmobility Foot DropMalaria ChronicMalaria ChronicPainChest PainChest PainRib PainRib PainEye PainEye PainMigraineHeadache One-sided PainHip PainHip PainLeg PainLeg PainLeg Inferior PainLeg Inferior PainNeck PainNeck PainLumbar Spine PainLumbar Spine PainWrist PainWrist PainParalysisPharyngitis RednessRefluxRegulate Qi LiverRegulate ShaoyangSciaticaShiveringSighing ExcessiveSighing ExcessiveChannel StagnationChannel Stagnation SwellingAnkle Lateral SwellingAnkle Lateral SwellingArmpit SwellingArmpit SwellingNeck SwellingNeck SwellingBi Arthralgia Leg SyndromeBi / Arthralgia Leg SyndromeDamp Heat SyndromeDamp-heat SyndromeVomitingAnkle WeaknessAnkle WeaknessStroke
Protocols using GB40
- Vomiting, Nausea, Head Pain, Headache Migraine Menstrual – LI04, ST29, ST44, SI03, BL60, KD12, PC06, TB05, TB20, GB08, GB13, GB20, GB34, GB40, LV03, CV03, GV20, GV24 (https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-14-374)
- Cervical Spondylosis, Acute Neck Pain, Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Degenerative Cervical Spine – LU07, SI03, SI05, SI15, BL60, BL62, TB04, GB20, GB21, GB40 (Comparison of Manual Acupuncture at Distal Acupoints Versus Electroacupuncture at Local Acupoints in Patients With Acute Neck Pain Due to Cervical Spondylosis. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07240623)
- Ankle Pain, Ankle Swelling, Sprain Ankle Lateral – ST36, ST41, BL60, BL62, KD03, KD06, GB39, GB40 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-4111-z)
- Headache Migraine, Migraine Without Aura – TB05, GB34, GB40 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2017.05.013)
- Nausea, Photophobia, Headache Migraine, Headache Unilateral, Phonophobia – LI04, TB05, GB08, GB20, GB34, GB40 (https://doi.org/10.1097/NRL.0000000000000386)
- Paralysis Hemiplegia, Paralysis Flaccid – LU05, LI04, SP06, HT01, BL40, KD01, PC06, GB40, CV04, GV26 (Mao Min, Chen Xin, Chen Yuefeng, Rao Ping, Liu Jian. Stage-oriented Comprehensive Acupuncture Treatment plus Rehabilitation Training for Apoplectic Hemiplegia. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2008, 28(2): 90-93)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis, Joint Pain, Inflammation Joint – LI05, LI11, LI15, ST36, SP05, SP09, HT03, SI05, SI08, BL40, BL62, KD06, PC07, TB04, TB10, TB14, GB34, GB40 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04891-1)
- Nausea, Bloating, Heartburn, Dyspepsia Functional, Abdominal Pain Epigastric, Early Satiety, Postprandial Fullness – GB34, GB36, GB37, GB40 (https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-10-75)
- Tinnitus, Tinnitus Subjective – TB03, TB05, TB17, TB21, GB02, GB40, GB41, GV20, GV24 (https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-13-224)
- Headache Migraine – GB40 (https://doi.org/10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60030-3)
- Stroke Sequelae, Stroke Post, Paralysis Ankle, Ankle Joint Problems, Ankle Dysfunction – ST31, ST34, ST36, ST37, ST40, ST41, SP10, KD06, GB34, GB39, GB40, LV03 (https://doi.org/10.27127/d.cnki.ghlzu.2024.000593)
- Shoulder Pain, Arm Pain, Neck Pain, Arm Numbness, Radiculopathy Cervical – LI04, ST44, SI03, BL60, TB05, GB34, GB40, LV03, GV14 (https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3465897)