GB34 (Yanglingquan / Yang Mound Spring) Acupuncture Point Guide

Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
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GB34, known as Yanglingquan (“Yang Mound Spring”), is the He-Sea and Earth point of the Gallbladder channel and the Hui-Meeting point traditionally associated with the sinews. It is located on the lateral leg in the depression anterior and distal to the head of the fibula.

GB34 is widely used in musculoskeletal and channel-based strategies, but the common fibular nerve curves around the fibular neck nearby. Clear palpation of the fibular head, controlled technique and immediate response to neural sensation are therefore essential. This guide is intended for appropriately trained practitioners, not for self-needling.

GB34 Yanglingquan quick reference

Point name	GB34 — Yanglingquan (“Yang Mound Spring”)
Channel	Gallbladder channel of Foot Shaoyang
Classification	He-Sea point; Earth point; Hui-Meeting point of the sinews
Region	Lateral proximal lower leg
Laterality	Bilateral
Core landmark	Depression anterior and distal to the head of the fibula

Location of GB34 Yanglingquan

The WHO standard locates GB34 on the fibular aspect of the leg, in the depression anterior and distal to the head of the fibula.

How to locate GB34

1. Position the patient comfortably with the lateral knee and upper lower-leg supported and exposed.
2. Palpate the rounded head of the fibula below the lateral knee.
3. Slide slightly anteriorly and distally off the bony prominence.
4. Identify the soft depression between the fibular head region and the adjacent musculature.
5. Reconfirm the fibular head and screen for unusual sensory symptoms, swelling, trauma or post-operative changes.

Do not confuse GB34 with the lateral knee joint line or with the fibular neck posteriorly. The point is defined by the relationship to the fibular head and should be palpated on each individual.

Traditional functions of GB34

• Benefits the sinews and joints.
• Activates the channel and relieves constraint along the Shaoyang pathway.
• Spreads Liver Qi and harmonises the Liver and Gallbladder.
• Clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder in an appropriate pattern.
• Regulates Shaoyang and supports smooth movement of Qi.

These are traditional theoretical descriptions, not claims that GB34 has been proven to diagnose or cure neurological, musculoskeletal, hepatobiliary or other medical conditions.

Traditional clinical applications

GB34 may be considered within an individualised treatment plan for patterns involving:

• Tendon or muscle tightness and restricted movement.
• Lateral knee, hip, rib-side or lower-limb discomfort along the channel pathway.
• Selected post-stroke rehabilitation strategies within an integrated clinical plan.
• Shaoyang presentations or Liver Qi constraint in traditional diagnosis.
• Gallbladder Damp-Heat patterns after appropriate medical assessment.

New weakness, foot drop, progressive numbness, significant trauma, a hot swollen joint, inability to bear weight or suspected vascular disease requires medical assessment. Acupuncture should not delay urgent investigation.

Common point combinations

• GB34 + LIV3: traditionally used to move Liver Qi and address constraint.
• GB34 + SP9: considered for knee dysfunction or Dampness when supported by the pattern.
• GB34 + ST36: used in selected lower-limb and rehabilitation strategies.
• GB34 + GB39: a channel pairing sometimes selected for sinew, marrow or lateral-leg presentations.
• GB34 + SJ6: considered in some Shaoyang and rib-side strategies.
• GB34 + local Ashi points: selected only after structural assessment and with careful anatomical technique.

Combinations are examples from traditional practice, not condition-specific protocols. They must be adapted to diagnosis, medication, rehabilitation goals and tissue findings.

Anatomy and practitioner notes

• GB34 lies near the proximal tibiofibular joint, the fibularis longus origin and adjacent fascial planes.
• The common fibular nerve winds around the fibular neck and divides into superficial and deep fibular branches; its course varies.
• Ask about fibular fracture, lateral knee injury, proximal tibiofibular instability, nerve entrapment, knee surgery or current foot drop.
• Compare sensation and motor history bilaterally when neurological symptoms are present.
• Consider anticoagulants, bleeding disorders, varicosities, infection, oedema and altered sensation.

Needling and essential safety

Angle, depth and stimulation must be individualised to the patient and the practitioner’s accredited training. A fixed depth is inappropriate near a major superficial nerve and variable bony anatomy.

• Palpate the fibular head and neck clearly before insertion.
• Avoid directing the needle towards the fibular neck or using uncontrolled deep manipulation.
• Stop and withdraw promptly if the patient reports an electric shock, burning pain, strong distal radiation, numbness or motor change.
• Do not needle through infected, bruised or significantly swollen tissue or directly into a joint space.
• Use sterile, single-use needles and appropriate clean-field and sharps-disposal procedures.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion may be considered in selected Cold or deficiency presentations. Maintain continuous supervision and avoid heat over impaired sensation, poor circulation, acute inflammation or unsuitable skin.

Research note

GB34 is frequently included in acupuncture research involving pain, motor function and neurological rehabilitation. Most studies use multi-point prescriptions, varied stimulation and different comparators. These findings do not establish a single independent effect of GB34 and should be interpreted alongside study quality and conventional care.

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB34 in relation to the fibular head?

It is in the palpable depression slightly anterior and distal to the head of the fibula.

Why is GB34 associated with the sinews?

Traditional point classification describes GB34 as the Hui-Meeting point of the sinews, which informs its use in movement and musculoskeletal strategies.

Why is neural sensation important at GB34?

The common fibular nerve passes close to the fibular neck. Sudden electric, burning or strongly radiating sensation requires immediate reassessment.

Can patients needle GB34 themselves?

No. The local nerve and joint anatomy make professional training and controlled sterile technique essential.

Continue exploring Project Lotus

Visit our Acupuncture Point Guides, or read our ST36 Zusanli Guide, SP6 Sanyinjiao Guide, GB20 Fengchi Guide and SP9 Yinlingquan Guide.

Practitioners can also browse our professional acupuncture needles and clinical supplies.

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Professional disclaimer: This article is provided for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners for general educational purposes. Traditional actions describe established acupuncture theory and are not claims of proven clinical efficacy. It is not medical advice, does not replace accredited training and should not be used as a universal treatment protocol. Practitioners remain responsible for assessment, consent, safe technique, infection control, record keeping, referral and compliance with professional and legal obligations.

Reference standards and safety reading:
World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
World Health Organization. WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Acupuncture.