A quiet but versatile point on the side of the head, Fubai (GB-10) clears the mind, benefits the ears and eyes, and — perhaps surprisingly — reaches all the way down to strengthen weak and failing legs. Small in fame, generous in reach.
Contraindications
Fubai (GB-10) is a scalp point and is needled shallowly and horizontally. Keep to the transverse technique and the stated depth.
Name & story
The name 浮白 Fubai carries a gentle, poetic image: 浮 (fú) means "floating" or "rising up", and 白 (bái) means "white" or "brightness". Together they evoke something light and luminous rising to the surface — like pale mist lifting from water, or clarity breaking through fog. The point sits high on the side of the skull, and its name hints at its nature: it lifts and disperses what has become clouded or congested in the head and sense organs, letting brightness return.
Point family & character
Fubai (GB-10) belongs to the Gallbladder Meridian (GB). It sits along the curved line of points running behind and above the ear — between Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12 — roughly one third of the way from GB-9 toward GB-12.
Five-element dynamics
The Gallbladder Meridian (GB) belongs to the Wood element, paired with the Liver. Wood governs the free flow of Qi through the body — and when that flow is obstructed, problems arise in the channels the Gallbladder traverses: the head, the ears, the eyes, and all the way down to the legs. Fubai (GB-10) works along this vertical axis, clearing obstruction from above and, in the tradition of the Inner Classic, treating the lower body by selecting points from above — "when the disease is below, select from above."
Location
On the side of the head, behind the ear. Draw a curved line from Tianchong GB-9 (above and behind the ear) to Wangu GB-12 (behind the mastoid process). Fubai (GB-10) sits approximately one third of the way along that curved line from GB-9 toward GB-12, within the hairline.
Needling
Transverse (horizontal, subcutaneous) insertion along the scalp.
Safe depth
0.5–1.5 Cun transversely.
Functions
Clears the head and benefits the neck region; Activates the channel and alleviates pain; Benefits the sense organs; Descends rebellion of Lung Qi.
Indications
Disorders of the head and neck region. Ear problems and conditions of the sense organs. Cough from rebellion of Lung Qi. Flaccidity and weakness of the legs with inability to walk. Toothache and tooth decay (combined with Wangu GB-12, per the Systematic Classic).
Point combinations
With Wangu GB-12 — for toothache and tooth decay, as recorded in the Systematic Classic. Within the cluster of points around the ear (GB-9 through GB-12) — for head, neck and sense organ disorders.
Clinical spotlight
One of the most interesting things about Fubai (GB-10) is how far its reach extends. It is a head point, yet classical texts record its use for flaccidity and weakness of the legs — the inability to walk. This rests on a principle from the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic: "when the disease is below, select points from above." The Gallbladder channel runs the full length of the body, and a point high on the skull can set the whole channel moving. Its neighbour Touqiaoyin GB-11 shares a similar reach, treating contraction of the sinews of the four limbs by the same logic. This "top-to-bottom" thinking is one of the elegant surprises of channel theory.
The golden tip
The point lies within the hairline behind the ear and can be gently massaged with a fingertip in small circles. For head and neck tension, or a sense of foggy heaviness in the head, try a minute or two of gentle pressure along the curve of points behind the ear.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.