Wangu Point (GB-12 / Complete Bone)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Wangu (GB-12 / Complete Bone). Learn its benefits for headache, stiff neck, tinnitus, deafness, and malaria – the meeting point of Gallbladder and Bladder – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache and dizziness (migraine, vertigo), stiff painful neck, tinnitus, deafness, cheek swelling, toothache, facial deviation (facial paralysis), and malaria.
Precise Location
On the head, in the depression posterior and inferior to the mastoid process behind the ear. A distinct bony prominence (the mastoid process) can be felt below and behind the ear – the point is in the depression posterior and inferior to this prominence.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie laterally. Locate the mastoid process behind the ear – the point is in the depression posterior and inferior to this bony prominence, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Wangu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat headache and stiff painful neck. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, sharpens hearing and brightens the eyes, and calms the liver and subdues yang.
Compatibility
Malaria: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Dazhu (BL-11). Headache and dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3). Stiff painful neck: Combine with Tianzhu (BL-10) and Houxi (SI-3). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Yifeng (TE-17). Cheek swelling and toothache: Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Xiaguan (ST-7), and Hegu (LI-4). Facial deviation (facial paralysis): Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian and the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, sharpens hearing and brightens the eyes, and calms the liver and subdues yang. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, ear, and neck disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Wan" means complete or intact; "Gu" means bone. Located on the mastoid process behind the ear, this point is named Wangu (Complete Bone) because the bone here is intact and prominent.
