Zuqiaoyin Point (GB-44 / Foot Orifice Yin, also known as Qiaoyin)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zuqiaoyin (GB-44 / Foot Orifice Yin). Learn its benefits for restlessness, chest pain, headache, tinnitus, and biliary ascariasis – the Gallbladder Jing-Well point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Restlessness, cough with qi counterflow, chest and hypochondriac pain, headache (migraine, vertex headache), tinnitus, deafness, throat obstruction, muscle spasms, hot palms and soles, and febrile diseases.
Precise Location
Located on the Gallbladder Meridian, on the lateral side of the distal phalanx of the 4th toe, 0.1 cun from the nail corner.
Location Method
Sit upright with feet on the floor. Place the left foot on the seat, extend the left hand, lightly hold the toes with four fingers below – bend the thumb and gently press with the thumbnail at the lateral nail corner of the 4th toe.
Massage Method
Knead with the thumb pad – a sore, distending, and painful sensation will occur. Apply to both sides for 1–3 minutes each, left first then right. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and relieves depression, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, clears heat and opens the orifices, and stops cough and relieves wheezing.
Compatibility
Biliary ascariasis: Combine with Qiuxu (GB-40), Zuqiaoyin (GB-44), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Yingxiang (LI-20). Disease overview: Biliary ascariasis is caused by intestinal roundworms becoming active and entering the bile duct, causing acute upper abdominal pain or biliary infection. The pain is unbearable, causing the patient to cry out in agony. Massage sequence: Relax the muscles, press Qiuxu firmly for 6 seconds while exhaling slowly – repeat 10 times; press Zuqiaoyin for 3 minutes; grasp the right knee with the left hand and press Yanglingquan for 1 minute; finally rub Yingxiang gently for 3–5 minutes. Stroke: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Baihui (GV-20), Fengchi (GB-20), Shixuan (EX-UE11), and Zuqiaoyin (GB-44). Hypertension: Combine with Renying (ST-9), Dazhui (GV-14), and Zuqiaoyin (GB-44). Headache and tinnitus/deafness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Tinggong (SI-19), and Yifeng (TE-17). Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zhigou (TE-6). Throat obstruction and sore throat: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11) and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
Have you ever experienced pain below the breast and rib area after anger or fatigue, accompanied by persistent coughing – so severe that you feel breathless? At the same time, your hands and feet feel hot, yet you cannot sweat, with headache and restlessness. In such cases, massaging Zuqiaoyin can help relieve pain, stop cough, and regulate qi. It is also effective for restlessness with heat, muscle spasms, headache, throat obstruction, and tinnitus with deafness. This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the Jing-Well point where the meridian qi emerges (corresponding to the Metal element in the five-element theory). It soothes the liver and relieves depression, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, clears heat and opens the orifices, and stops cough and relieves wheezing. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, chest, hypochondriac, and mental disorders, and is also one of the emergency points. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Zu" refers to the foot; "Qiao" refers to the orifices (eyes, ears, nose, mouth); "Yin" refers to the yin meridians. Located on the foot, this is the Jing-Well point of the Gallbladder Meridian, which unblocks all orifices and treats ENT disorders – hence the name Zuqiaoyin (Foot Orifice Yin). It is also known as "Qiaoyin."
Contraindications
Located on the toe, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.1–0.2 cun vertically, or pricking for bleeding. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
