Yangfu Point (GB-38 / Yang Support, also known as Fenrou, Juegu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yangfu (GB-38 / Yang Support). Learn its benefits for nephritis, hypertension, joint pain, and lumbar pain – the Gallbladder Jing-River point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Poor kidney function (kidney-deficiency lumbar pain, lumbar and knee soreness), nephritis, joint pain, hypertension (liver-yang rising type), alternating chills and fever with soreness, inability to raise the four limbs, throat obstruction, bi-pain with numbness, lumbar pain, various wind disorders, bitter taste, and hypochondriac pain.
Precise Location
Located on the Gallbladder Meridian, on the lateral lower leg, 4 cun above the tip of the lateral malleolus, slightly anterior to the anterior border of the fibula.
Location Method
Sit upright with feet on the floor, slightly bending forward. With the left hand, palm facing forward, four fingers on the inside and thumb on the outside, grip the lower leg from the heel upward – the point is where the thumb pad rests. (Standard location: 4 cun above the lateral malleolus tip, slightly anterior to the anterior border of the fibula.)
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: Clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, relaxes the sinews and relieves pain, and soothes the liver and benefits the gallbladder.
Compatibility
Nephritis: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Ganshu (BL-18), Shuidao (ST-28), Jingmen (GB-25), Yinlingquan (SP-9), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Yangfu (GB-38), and Zhubin (KI-9). Disease overview: Nephritis has many types – primary glomerulonephritis and secondary glomerulonephritis; classified by duration as acute and chronic nephritis (chronic glomerulonephritis). Primary includes acute nephritis, chronic nephritis, and nephrotic syndrome; secondary includes purpura nephritis, lupus nephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and hypertensive nephropathy. Massage sequence: Massage Shenshu, Ganshu, Shuidao, Jingmen, Yinlingquan, Sanyinjiao, Yangfu, and Zhubin in sequence. Hypertension: Combine with Renying (ST-9), Dazhui (GV-14), Yangfu (GB-38), and Taichong (LR-3). Lower limb bi-pain: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yinmen (BL-37), Weizhong (BL-40), Chengjin (BL-56), Yanglingquan (GB-34), Yangfu (GB-38), and Kunlun (BL-60). Lumbar pain and lumbar-knee soreness: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Weizhong (BL-40), and Taixi (KI-3). Hypochondriac pain and bitter taste: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zhigou (TE-6). Joint pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zusanli (ST-36), and Xuanzhong (GB-39).
Efficacy & Actions
Those with poor kidney function often feel a cold, weak sensation in the lumbar region, as if sitting in water, accompanied by swelling below the knees, tight sinews, and joint pain that migrates throughout the body. Massaging Yangfu can quickly relieve this pain. Ancient texts also record that this point treats "alternating chills and fever with soreness, inability to raise the four limbs, throat obstruction, bi-pain with numbness, lumbar pain, various wind disorders, bitter taste, and hypochondriac pain." This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the Jing-River point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Fire element in the five-element theory). It clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, relaxes the sinews and relieves pain, and soothes the liver and benefits the gallbladder. It is a commonly used key point for treating lower limb and liver-gallbladder disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Yang" refers to the lateral side; "Fu" means to support or assist, referring to the fibula (auxiliary bone). Located on the lateral lower leg at the anterior border of the fibula, this point is where Gallbladder Meridian qi passes with assistance – hence the name Yangfu (Yang Support). It is also known as "Fenrou" and "Juegu."
Contraindications
Located on the lateral lower leg, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.8–1.2 cun vertically. Moxibustion is permissible.
