Xuanlu Point (GB-5 / Suspended Cranium)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xuanlu (GB-5 / Suspended Cranium). Learn its benefits for poor concentration, facial swelling, eye pain, and toothache – the meeting point of Gallbladder, Stomach, and Sanjiao – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Poor concentration, facial swelling, outer canthus pain, toothache, migraine, dizziness, red painful eyes, and tinnitus.
Precise Location
On the head, at the midpoint of the curved line connecting Touwei (ST-8) and Qubin (GB-7) in the temporal hairline.
Location Method
Sit upright with the index and middle fingers together, palms facing inward – place the index fingertip at the hairline of the forehead corner; the point is where the middle finger rests.
Massage Method
Place the middle finger on Xuanlu and gently knead – once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and reduces swelling, clears the head and brightens the eyes, calms the spirit and benefits intelligence.
Compatibility
Headache: Combine with Quchi (LI-11), Hegu (LI-4), and Xuanlu (GB-5). Disease overview: Headache is pain in the upper half of the skull, including the supraorbital ridge, upper ear margin, and external occipital protuberance. Massage sequence: Knead Xuanlu for 3 minutes; bend one arm at a right angle and press Quchi (on the elbow crease) with the other hand for 3 minutes; finally press Hegu for 3 minutes. Migraine: Combine with Hanyan (GB-4), Xuanlu (GB-5), Fengchi (GB-20), and Waiguan (TE-5). Outer canthus pain: Combine with Sizhukong (TE-23), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Xuanlu (GB-5), and Fengchi (GB-20). Facial swelling: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26) and Xuanlu (GB-5). Dizziness and red painful eyes: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Taichong (LR-3).
Efficacy & Actions
Many parents find that their children are easily distracted and have poor concentration when studying. Here is a solution: regularly massaging Xuanlu can help children improve their focus and attention. This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian, the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, and the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. It clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and reduces swelling, clears the head and brightens the eyes, and calms the spirit and benefits intelligence. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and mental disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Hanre Bing. "Xuan" means to suspend or hang; "Lu" refers to the cranium. Located in the temporal region of the head, this point is where Gallbladder Meridian qi is suspended at the cranium – hence the name Xuanlu (Suspended Cranium).
