Neil Gumenick, MAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac.
Editor’s Note: In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 2016, including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1,16 and 20 (May 2021); points 2-3, 8-9 and 12-13 (April 2024); and points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23 (April 2025). This article features points 25 and 27-30.
GB 25: Capital Gate
A capital is usually the most important city or town of a country or region, and the location of its seat of government and administration. Capital cities are also often centers of wealth, commerce, industry, arts, creativity, learning, and social and intellectual affairs. Thus, a capital city is a place of vast resources.
A “gate” allows for passage into or out of the capital. Entry allows for access to the resources contained therein. Leaving the capital, one carries the enrichment and benefits obtained.
We all have such a rich “capital” within ourselves, but due to emotional traumas, put-downs and the like, we may have lost the gateway to our internal treasures. We may feel we have nothing of value or richness inside.
We would consider this point for the wood-imbalanced patient who feels impoverished – lacking the resources to make good, capable, and confident decisions or exercise wise judgment.
GB 27: Five Pivots
This is a point for flexibility and the ability to see from different points of view. Attached to one position, we can become narrow-minded, dogmatic, stubborn, even aggressive and bossy, insisting that our choice should be everyone’s.
While we may differ in our opinions, we are, in truth, one in spirit. Recognizing our essential unity, we can be respectful, understanding and compassionate with the opinions of others. We can gain wisdom from even those with whom we may disagree, seeing through their eyes.
The “five” in the point name refers to the five elements, the various directions and seasons: spring, summer, late summer, fall, and winter – denoting that we live in an ever-changing landscape and receive input from more than just one viewpoint. To judge and evaluate with skill, we need the ability to “pivot,” turning to any and every direction as needed.
GB 28: Binding Path
This is a point of perseverance, staying the course, and not being easily distracted or tempted from one’s decision or chosen path. While flexibility is a virtue, as indicated in the previous point, we also need to be bound to what is essential, true and good – bound to the righteous agreements we have made.
We consider this point for those wood-imbalanced patients who tend to lose their way; who are ambivalent and easily swayed from what they know to be their good and true path. The point reminds us of a healthy tree: rooted firmly to the earth, yet flexible enough to bend without breaking.
GB 29: Dwelling in the Bone
A “dwelling” is a residence, as well as a state of being fully present in a place or in relation to others. Bones are the deepest and most enduring of tissues. When we feel something “in our bones,” we feel it deeply and unshakably.
This point suggests a certainty of decision and wise judgment with which we can live for a long time, in spite of challenges, obstacles, temptations or distractions. It provides a firm and solid conviction that can’t be shaken. Similar in connotation to GB 28, we consider it to further strengthen wood-imbalanced patients who are too easily deviated from their righteous path, or are unsure about their decisions, commitments, or vows.
GB 30: Jumping Circle
Located on the lateral aspect of the hip, posterior to the greater trochanter, this point is in the region of the lateral hip muscles that allows for strong, yet stabilized, controlled movement. Therefore, it is beneficial for addressing both physical issues in the area, as well as non-physical challenges faced by those who struggle with initiating plans, advancing (“jumping”) forward, and embarking on new phases or cycles.
Author’s Note: There are many interpretations and uses of these points in various traditions; the preceding is not intended to encompass all possibilities. English translations of point names are those taught by Professor J.R. Worsley and appear in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Volume 1: Meridians and Points by J.R. Worsley; Element Books, 1982.
