Shuaigu Point (GB-8 / Leading Valley)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shuaigu (GB-8 / Leading Valley). Learn its benefits for migraine, dizziness, vomiting, and infantile convulsions – the meeting point of Gallbladder and Bladder – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache (migraine, vertex headache), dizziness, vomiting, infantile convulsions, tinnitus and deafness, and eye pain.
Precise Location
On the head, 1.5 cun above the ear tip directly upward into the hairline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie laterally. Fold the ear forward – the point is 2 finger-widths (approximately 1.5 cun) directly above the ear tip into the hairline.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Shuaigu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat migraine, dizziness, and vomiting. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and disperses wind, calms the liver and subdues yang, stops vomiting and descends rebellious qi, and calms fright and settles the spirit.
Compatibility
Dizziness: Combine with Yintang (EX-HN3), Taichong (LR-3), and Hegu (LI-4). Migraine: Combine with Taiyang (EX-HN5), Fengchi (GB-20), and Xuanlu (GB-5). Infantile convulsions: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40). Vomiting: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Zhongwan (RN-12). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19) and Yifeng (TE-17). Eye pain: Combine with Jingming (BL-1) and Taiyang (EX-HN5).
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, calms the liver and subdues yang, stops vomiting and descends rebellious qi, and calms fright and settles the spirit. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, mental, and gastrointestinal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shuai" means to lead or command; "Gu" means valley. Located in the depression above the ear in the temporal region, this point is where Gallbladder Meridian qi ascends and leads – hence the name Shuaigu (Leading Valley).
