Qiuxu Point (GB-40 / Mound Ruin)
Soothes the liver and benefits the gallbladder, frees and benefits the joints, reduces swelling and relieves pain. Based on its properties, it is used for cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, migraine, ankle sprains, and foot inversion.
Indications
Chest and hypochondriac pain, and lateral ankle pain. (1) Gallbladder disorders: Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, bitter taste, jaundice. (2) Lower limb disorders: Foot inversion, foot drop, lateral ankle swelling and pain, beriberi. (3) Meridian pathway disorders: Migraine, tinnitus, deafness, hypochondriac pain, stiff painful neck. (4) Others: Malaria, hernia, red painful eyes, herpes zoster, etc.
Precise Location
In the ankle region, anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus, in the depression lateral to the extensor digitorum longus tendon.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. The point is in the depression anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus, lateral to the extensor digitorum longus tendon – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Qiuxu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat lateral ankle pain. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and benefits the gallbladder, frees and benefits the joints, reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Heel and foot pain: Combine with Kunlun (BL-60). Lateral ankle swelling and pain: Combine with Kunlun (BL-60) and Shenmai (BL-62). Gallbladder meridian pain: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30). Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Qimen (LR-14), Danshu (BL-19), Ganshu (BL-18), and Riyue (GB-24). Foot and ankle pain: Combine with Jiexi (ST-41) and Shangqiu (SP-5). Foot inversion: Combine with Zhaohai (KI-6). Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34). Foot drop: Combine with Chengshan (BL-57), Jiexi (ST-41), and Zusanli (ST-36). Migraine: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Taichong (LR-3), and Waiguan (TE-5). Red painful eyes: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taichong (LR-3), Jingming (BL-1), and Taiyang (EX-HN5).
Efficacy & Actions
Qiuxu belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the Yuan-Source point where the primordial qi of the gallbladder passes and lodges, corresponding to the Wood element in the five-element theory. It clears the liver and benefits the gallbladder, relaxes the sinews and benefits the joints, clears heat and brightens the eyes, and resolves depression and drains heat. It has broad clinical applications and is a commonly used point for treating gallbladder disorders and conditions along the Gallbladder Meridian pathway. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Qiu" refers to a high place; "Xu" means a large mound. Located in the depression anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus, where the bone rises like a large mound – hence the name Qiuxu (Mound Ruin). (1) Common Point for Migraine: Migraine is a Shaoyang meridian disorder, often caused by qi stagnation, heat transforming into fire, qi-blood deficiency, external wind invasion, or phlegm stasis obstructing the meridians. As the Yuan-Source point of the Gallbladder Meridian, where qi and blood are abundant, needling Qiuxu effectively improves circulation and restores smooth flow – relieving pain with immediate results. (2) Effective Point for Chest and Hypochondriac Pain: The chest and hypochondrium are traversed by the Liver and Gallbladder meridians – hypochondriac pain is generally related to liver-gallbladder disorders. The Suwen · Miao Ci Lun states: "When pathogens lodge in the collateral of the Gallbladder Meridian, they cause hypochondriac pain with difficulty breathing." As the Yuan-Source point, Qiuxu regulates qi and blood, unblocks the meridians, and relieves pain. (3) Specific Point for Lateral Ankle Sprain and Foot Inversion: These conditions are caused by local qi-blood obstruction and stasis. Located anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus, needling Qiuxu unblocks the collaterals and promotes circulation. For foot inversion, deep needling toward Zhaohai (KI-6) with small-amplitude twisting techniques directs the needling sensation toward the foot. (4) Common Point for Liver-Gallbladder Disorders: As the Yuan-Source point of the Gallbladder Meridian – the Lingshu · Jiuzhen Shier Yuan states: "For disorders of the five zang and six fu, treat their Yuan-Source points." Thus Qiuxu is the first choice for gallbladder disorders – cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, jaundice, bitter taste, and other biliary conditions. Clinically, needling from Qiuxu toward Zhaohai (KI-6) enhances the effect and nourishes the Liver (Wood) through the Kidney (Water) to clear gallbladder fire. (5) Other Therapeutic Effects: The Zhenjiu Jiayijing records: "Blurred vision, chills, corneal opacity, blindness, lumbar and hypochondriac pain, and calf spasms – Qiuxu is the primary point." Also used for neck pain, herpes zoster, foot swelling, lower limb flaccidity, lumbar pain, red painful eyes, hernia, beriberi, and malaria.
Contraindications
Use with caution in pregnant women.
