Guangming Point (GB-37 / Brightness)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Guangming (GB-37 / Brightness). Learn its benefits for red eyes, blurred vision, night blindness, and cataracts – the Gallbladder Luo-Connecting point for brightening the eyes – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Red painful eyes, blurred vision, night blindness, lower limb bi-pain, migraine, chest and hypochondriac pain, calf soreness, itchy eyes, and myopia.
Precise Location
On the lateral lower leg, 5 cun above the tip of the lateral malleolus, at the anterior border of the fibula.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. Measure 5 cun (approximately 7 finger-widths) directly upward from the tip of the lateral malleolus – the point is in the depression at the anterior border of the fibula, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation. (Alternatively, locate on the line connecting Shangjuxu and Qiuxu.)
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Guangming with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat lower limb bi-pain, eye pain, and night blindness. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and brightens the eyes, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and dispels wind and clears the head.
Compatibility
Cataracts and eye disorders: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Jingming (BL-1). Red painful eyes and blurred vision: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Fengchi (GB-20), and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Night blindness: Combine with Ganshu (BL-18), Shenshu (BL-23), and Taichong (LR-3). Lower limb bi-pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zusanli (ST-36), and Xuanzhong (GB-39). Migraine: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Shuaigu (GB-8). Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zhigou (TE-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the Luo-Connecting point of this meridian, branching to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. It soothes the liver and brightens the eyes, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and dispels wind and clears the head. It is a commonly used key point for treating eye and lower limb disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Jingmai. "Guang" means bright or luminous; "Ming" means clear vision. As the Luo-Connecting point of the Gallbladder Meridian, it regulates Liver and Gallbladder qi, allowing the eyes to receive blood nourishment and see clearly – hence the name Guangming (Brightness).
Contraindications
Located on the lateral lower leg, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.8–1.2 cun vertically. Moxibustion is permissible.
