Stress and related ailments have become increasingly common in our fast-paced world. As we look for effective solutions, ancient wisdom from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides an easy, side-effect-free option: the acupoint Hill Ruins (Qiu Xu, GB40) on the gallbladder meridian.
Understanding some basic TCM concepts can help you appreciate the benefits of this acupoint. After reading this article, you may feel inspired to take off your shoes and try stimulating this acupoint, especially if you had a stressful day.
Merging Ancient Practices With Modern Insights
Qiu Xu is first mentioned in the classic TCM text “Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot),” a foundational acupuncture manual. As a Yuan-source point of the gallbladder meridian(energy pathway), it serves as a reservoir of original qi or the fundamental prenatal energy inherited from parents.
Qiu Xu acts as an energy hub for the entire meridian and its associated organ. Its unique nature makes this acupoint particularly effective in addressing conditions that Western medicine attributes to inflammation, and TCM classifies as “fire” or poor circulation of energy in the body, leading to an imbalance in yin and yang energies.
Due to the gallbladder’s close relationship with the liver, Qiu Xu is also frequently recommended for modern ailments such as liver qi stagnation—a condition characterized by the liver’s inability to circulate energy effectively throughout the body.
Liver qi stagnation can manifest in various ways, often mirroring the symptoms associated with stress in Western medicine. These include digestive disturbances, irritability, chest discomfort, fatigue, muscle tension on the sides of the body, mood fluctuations, and headaches, particularly on the sides of the head. A group of these symptoms may suggest a liver qi stagnation.
Modern Medicine: Understanding the Brain’s Response
Recent studies have begun to illuminate the connection between acupoints and brain function, providing a scientific basis for the efficacy of acupuncture. One notable study compared the effects of stimulating Qiu Xu (GB40) and another acupoint, Taixi (KI3), which share the same nerve segment but belong to different meridians. Utilizing fMRI and independent component analysis, researchers observed changes in resting-state networks following stimulation of each acupoint.
Acupuncture at Qiu Xu improved the connection between the superior temporal gyrus, a brain region crucial for auditory processing, and the anterior insula, a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in emotional processing and subjective feelings. These findings show that Qiu Xu specifically influences how we process sounds and emotions, highlighting how acupuncture can uniquely change brain function.
A 2012 study investigated the role of electroacupuncture in enhancing post-operative recovery following a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the skull to access the brain. Patients who received electroacupuncture at various acupoints, including Qiu Xu, showed significantly faster recovery times and required less anesthesia. Additionally, they exhibited elevated levels of neurotransmitters associated with pain modulation. These findings suggest a potential mechanism for the positive outcomes observed, further validating the benefits of acupuncture in modern medical practice.
How to Locate and Stimulate Qiu Xu
Finding Qiu Xu is straightforward:
- Look at the outer side of your foot, near the ankle.
- Locate the round ankle bone (lateral malleolus).
- Move your fingers slightly forward and downward into a natural depression near the joint.
- Flex your foot—this movement highlights the indentation where the acupoint sits.
- Apply pressure and check for a tender spot near the bone.
To activate Qiu Xu, you can employ several techniques:
- Pressing Technique: Firmly press the acupoint for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat this cycle for one to three minutes per side.
- Massage: Use your index finger or thumb to apply circular motions for one to three minutes per side.
- Herbal Patch: For convenience and lasting stimulation, consider using an herbal patch overnight.
- Professional Techniques: For more profound treatment, consult a trained TCM professional for acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion.
Important Considerations
Avoid stimulating Qiu Xu if the area is injured or bruised. It is not recommended during pregnancy or menstruation due to its relationship with the liver’s energy flow. If you are using herbal patches, avoid artificial or harsh compounds.
A Simple Addition to Your Self-Care Routine
In TCM, liver qi stagnation often accompanies the hectic lifestyle many people lead today. Qiu Xu has been used for centuries to address what modern medicine calls stress and inflammation and deserves to be included in your holistic health toolkit.
Consider adding Qiu Xu to your self-care routine for yourself or someone you know who is going through a stressful time. Embrace the healing potential of this ancient acupoint to take proactive steps toward a balanced and healthier life.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 29 Mar 2025
