Yanggang Point (BL-48 / Yang Principle)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yanggang (BL-48 / Yang Principle). Learn its benefits for diarrhea, jaundice, abdominal pain, borborygmus, and diabetes – the Back Transporting Point of the Gallbladder – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Diarrhea, jaundice, abdominal pain, borborygmus, diabetes, epigastric and abdominal distension, hypochondriac pain, difficult urination, and fever.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (at the level of the inferior angle of the scapulae), count down 3 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra – the point is 4 finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Yanggang with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat abdominal distension, borborygmus, and abdominal pain. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and benefits the gallbladder, clears heat and drains dampness, regulates qi and harmonizes the middle, regulates the stomach and intestines.
Compatibility
Abdominal distension: Combine with Qihai (RN-6). Jaundice: Combine with Danshu (BL-19), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Zhiyang (GV-9). Diarrhea and borborygmus with abdominal pain: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25), Shangjuxu (ST-37), and Zusanli (ST-36). Diabetes: Combine with Yishu (EX-B3), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Taixi (KI-3). Hypochondriac pain: Combine with Ganshu (BL-18), Zhigou (TE-6), and Yanglingquan (GB-34).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where gallbladder qi is transported to the back. It soothes the liver and benefits the gallbladder, clears heat and drains dampness, regulates qi and harmonizes the middle, and regulates the stomach and intestines. It is a commonly used key point for treating liver, gallbladder, and digestive system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Yang" refers to yang qi; "Gang" means principle or leader. Located on the back, this point is where yang qi leads – hence the name Yanggang (Yang Principle).
Contraindications
Located on the back, needling should not be too deep – generally oblique needling at 0.5–0.8 cun to avoid injury to internal organs. Moxibustion is permissible.
