As a continuation of our "Spring and the Tree element" acupressure series (see Liver 3), I’m excited to introduce another vital point: Gall Bladder 34 (GB34), or Yang Mound Spring. What makes this “master point” stand out as more essential in Shiatsu practice? With its broad impact both physically and emotionally, GB34 is known for its ability to release Qi stagnation and its nourishing support to the wiry nature of the Gall Bladder.
How to Locate and Stimulate GB34
GB34 sits in the small dip in front of and below the head of the fibula, right beneath the outer knee. The point is most easily found with a thumb when the leg is bent.
To stimulate this point, press with your thumb in a circular motion for 30 seconds to 2 minutes per leg. With a firm pressure but comfortable, soreness often eases as Qi flows.
Understanding the Tree Element Connection
The Gall Bladder, together with the Liver, belong to the Tree element. Both regulate Qi flow along the body’s side meridians, supporting tendon flexibility, and fostering decisive action. When the Tree element is balanced, the body’s tissues are strong and flexible, allowing for free and smooth movement. However, when it becomes unstable or unbalanced, joints may feel stiff and tendons tight.
The principle of flexibility extends beyond the physical body to the psychological level. A balanced Tree element allows for emotional adaptability, enabling our minds to bend and move with life’s changing conditions. As humans, we need this flexibility to navigate challenges, but being overly flexible or too accommodating for others, can cause us to lose sight of our own needs.
If you’d like to explore this further, you can read more in Ocean of Streams: Zen Shiatsu by Veet Allan (Gall Bladder Section, p.94), or in Shiatsu Theory and Practice (Chapter 13, p.215)
Key benefits of stimulating GB34 are:
Musculoskeletal Health
Eases stiffness, pain or spasms in the knees, hips, legs, or shoulders
Ideal for treating sciatica, tendonitis, or sport-related injuries
Digestive Support
Relieves nausea, vomiting, and bloating
Eases upper abdominal pain
Neurological Relief
Reduces leg tremors or numbness
May alleviate dizziness or vertigo
Head and Eyes
Helps with migraines or temporal headaches
Soothes eye redness or strain
Emotional Balance
Reduces irritability, frustration, and anger
The power of point pairing: Gall Bladder 34 and Stomach 36 (ST36)
The GB34 and ST36 pairing is a powerful combination, leveraging the Tree and Earth elements. The pair is fundamental in addressing physical fatigue, emotional stress, and systemic imbalances and is revered in Shiatsu for its ability to harmonise digestion, enhance energy, and support musculoskeletal health.
Fun Fact!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a balanced Gall Bladder meridian helps you make bold, confident decisions. Whereas, an unbalanced Gall Bladder is usually tied to timidity and hesitation, hence the old Chinese saying “He has a small Gall Bladder” to describe someone shy or indecisive.
Try This in Spring!
Activate GB34 to harness spring’s liberating force. Ignite movement, flexibility, and flow, just as nature reawakens after a long winter.
By Hana Starace, Certified Shiatsu & Nutritional Practitioner