Dannang Point (EX-LE6 / Gallbladder Point)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Dannang (EX-LE6 / Gallbladder Point). Learn its benefits for cholecystitis, gallstones, biliary ascariasis, and frozen shoulder – the extraordinary point for gallbladder health – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Benefits the gallbladder and unblocks the fu-organ, soothes the liver and regulates qi, clears heat and drains dampness, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. Treats acute and chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis (gallstones, biliary colic), biliary ascariasis, lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome, chronic antral gastritis, and frozen shoulder.
Precise Location
On the upper lateral lower leg, 2 cun directly below the depression anterior and inferior to the fibular head (Yanglingquan, GB-34).
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the knee flexed. First locate Yanglingquan (GB-34, in the depression anterior and inferior to the fibular head), then measure 2 cun (approximately 3 finger-widths) directly downward. One point on each side.
Massage Method
Press and knead with the thumb pad for 3–5 minutes per session, 1–2 times daily – a local sore-distending sensation is optimal. Coordinate with deep breathing to enhance liver-gallbladder benefits. Mild-warm moxa may also be applied for 10–15 minutes per point. Therapeutic actions: Benefits the gallbladder and unblocks the fu-organ, soothes the liver and regulates qi, clears heat and drains dampness, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Acute cholecystitis: Use Dannang alone (needling or massage). Cholelithiasis and biliary colic: Combine with Neiting (ST-44), Gongsun (SP-4), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Biliary ascariasis: Dannang penetrating to Yanglingquan (GB-34), Yingxiang (LI-20) penetrating to Sibai (ST-2), combined with Juque (RN-14), Neiguan (PC-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Chronic antral gastritis: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36). Frozen shoulder: Combine with Jianyu (LI-15). Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zusanli (ST-36), and Xuanzhong (GB-39).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located 2 cun directly below Yanglingquan (GB-34) on the upper lateral lower leg. It benefits the gallbladder and unblocks the fu-organ, soothes the liver and regulates qi, clears heat and drains dampness, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is an experienced effective point for treating biliary system disorders. First documented in the Zhongyi Zhenjiuxue (TCM Acupuncture Studies). "Dannang" refers to the gallbladder. This point is a key point for treating cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and other biliary disorders – hence the name Dannang (Gallbladder Point). Dannang is an experienced effective point for treating cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, biliary ascariasis, and other biliary system disorders. It is often combined with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Neiting (ST-44), and Gongsun (SP-4), and may be used alone for acute cholecystitis.
Contraindications
Located on the lateral lower leg – needling depth should be carefully controlled, generally 0.8–1.2 cun vertically. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
