Gall Bladder 22 (GB 22) Yuan Ye — Armpit Abyss

This point, on the lateral chest, unbinds the chest, regulates qi and dissipates nodules of the axilla.

Gall Bladder 22 (GB 22) Yuan Ye 淵腋 — Armpit Abyss

Location

On the lateral chest, in the fourth intercostal space, on the mid-axillary line.

Anatomy

On the serratus anterior; the thoraco-epigastric vein and the lateral thoracic artery; the lateral cutaneous branch of the fourth intercostal nerve and the long thoracic nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Unbinds the chest and regulates qi
  • Dissipates nodules and reduces axillary swelling

Indications

Fullness and pain of the chest and costal region, swelling of the axilla, and pain of the arm.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, oblique or transverse insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With GB-34 and LV-14 for hypochondriac pain.

Classical Text References

Used for fullness of the chest and axillary swelling.

Cautions & Contraindications

Deep perpendicular insertion risks pneumothorax; needle obliquely or transversely.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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Research summary (Qi Gong): Self-Guided Internet-Based Mindfulness-Informed Stress Management for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial With Longitu - Journal of medical Internet research, 2026.