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Gallbladder 30 (GB 30) is an important point especially in conditions such as sciatica.
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GB 30 Acupuncture Point Location
At the junction of the lateral 1 and 1/3rd and medial 2 and 1/3rd of the distance between
the great trochanter and the hiatus of the sacrum.1
GB 30 Functions:
Low back pain
Muscular atrophy
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Sciatica
Clinical Application of GB30 (Huantiao)
Primary Clinical Uses
GB30 is one of the primary points I rely on clinically for conditions involving sciatica or sciatica-like symptoms. When patients present with pain that radiates from the hip into the leg, this point is often central to the treatment strategy. It is also highly effective for general hip joint pain and has proven useful in post-procedural care, including rehabilitation support following hip replacement surgery. In these cases, GB30 helps address deep muscular tension and improves functional movement around the hip.
Needling Technique and Stimulation
From a needling standpoint, GB30 requires proper positioning and technique. The point can be accessed with the patient either lying face down or on their side, depending on comfort and clinical context. Because the gluteal region contains thick, dense muscle tissue, superficial needling is usually insufficient. The needle must be inserted deep enough to pass through the muscle layer in order to effectively stimulate the point and produce meaningful results.
When appropriate, GB30 responds exceptionally well to electro-acupuncture. Electro-stimulation can enhance neural activation, increase local circulation, and improve overall treatment effectiveness, particularly in chronic or severe presentations.
Point Combinations and Clinical Pairings
Clinically, GB30 works best when it is not used in isolation. I often combine it with Urinary Bladder 25 when low back or sacral pain is present, as this pairing addresses both the source and the pathway of discomfort. Distal points such as UB40, UB38, UB39, UB57, and Kidney 3 are also commonly included to support the entire channel system and reinforce treatment effects.
While GB30 may be used in certain bladder-related presentations, its primary role in this context is musculoskeletal and neurological pain management.
Physiological and Therapeutic Goals
From a physiological perspective, the primary goal of using GB30 is to reduce strain on the sciatic nerve. Treatment focuses on restoring proper nerve communication and improving blood flow to the affected area. Nerves require both adequate circulation and freedom from excessive tension to function properly. By releasing deep muscular restriction in the gluteal region, GB30 helps create an environment that supports nerve recovery and pain reduction.
Patient Comfort, Draping, and Clinical Ethics
Because of its location, GB30 requires thoughtful patient management and strict attention to professional boundaries. The gluteal region is a sensitive area, and proper draping is essential to ensure patient comfort and modesty. In clinical practice, I recommend using two gowns so that only the precise area needed for needling is exposed while the rest of the body remains covered.
This approach maintains professionalism, builds trust, and allows the practitioner to work effectively without compromising patient comfort.
- Cheng X. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Beijing, China: Foreign Languages Press; 1987:207. ↩︎
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
