A quiet but capable point on the hip, Weidao (GB-28) is where the Gallbladder channel meets the Girdling vessel — making it a key point for gynaecological conditions, prolapse, and lower abdominal troubles that other points cannot quite reach.
Contraindications
No special contraindications are listed in the sources for this point. Standard clean needling technique and the stated depth apply.
Name & story
The name 维道 Weidao means something like "Linking Path" or "Maintaining the Way". The character 维 (wéi) carries the sense of binding, linking, or holding things together — like a cord that keeps everything in its proper place. And 道 (dào) means path or way. Together the name evokes a channel that ties and secures, which fits perfectly: this point sits where the Gallbladder channel crosses the Girdling vessel — the belt-like channel that wraps around the waist and holds the vertical meridians in check. When that "belt" loosens and things begin to slip — a prolapsed uterus, a sagging lower abdomen, leucorrhoea — Weidao is called upon to restore the binding, to maintain the way.
Point family & character
Weidao (GB-28) belongs to the Gallbladder Meridian (GB). Its most important character is that it is the meeting point of the Gallbladder channel with the Girdling vessel (Dai Mai) — the only horizontal channel in the body, which encircles the waist like a belt and governs the lower Jiao. This meeting gives the point its special reach into gynaecological and lower abdominal conditions.
Five-element dynamics
The Gallbladder is the Yang channel of the Wood element, responsible for smooth flow and decision. But Weidao's power comes above all from its connection to the Girdling vessel. The Dai Mai encircles the body at the waist, keeping the vertical channels properly gathered and the organs of the lower abdomen supported. When this belt-like vessel loses its regulating grip, fluids can accumulate, organs can descend, and the lower Jiao falls into stagnation. GB-28 works at precisely this crossing point — using the Wood element's gift for moving and unblocking, while the Girdling vessel's binding quality lifts and restrains what has loosened.
Location
Find the anterior superior iliac spine (the bony prominence at the front of the hip bone). Weidao (GB-28) lies 0.5 Cun below and slightly in front of Wushu (GB-27), which itself sits directly below the anterior superior iliac spine. In practice, GB-28 is located on the lateral hip, just below GB-27, roughly at the level of the midpoint of a line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the greater trochanter.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the lateral aspect of the hip, in the region of the tensor fascia latae and the iliac crest area.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly (straight in). The needling sensation typically spreads locally around the hip and lower abdomen.
Safe depth
Safe depth — 1–1.5 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxa is well suited to this point, especially when the underlying pattern is Cold, Yang Deficiency, or Dampness causing prolapse and leucorrhoea. Gentle warming with a moxa stick over GB-28 can help lift and warm the lower Jiao. Acupressure and Tui Na can also be applied locally for lower abdominal and hip discomfort.
Functions
Regulates the Girdling vessel (Dai Mai). Regulates the lower Jiao and transforms stagnation. Resolves Dampness in the lower Jiao.
Indications
Gynaecological conditions: uterine prolapse, irregular menstruation, leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge). Lower abdominal pain and shan disorder (hernial conditions with pain). Pain of the back and ilium. No pleasure in eating; vomiting.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
The Shen connection here is subtle but real. When the lower body loses its sense of support — when a woman feels things "slipping" physically, whether through prolapse, persistent discharge, or a dragging heaviness in the abdomen — there is often a corresponding feeling of being unable to hold herself together emotionally. The Girdling vessel, which Weidao helps regulate, is linked in classical thought to the idea of boundaries and containment. By restoring the belt-like gathering of the lower Jiao, GB-28 can help a person feel more grounded, more contained, and more in control of what flows in and out of their life.
Point combinations
With Guanyuan (REN-4) — to support the lower Jiao, regulate menstruation, and address uterine prolapse. With Wushu (GB-27) — its immediate neighbour and fellow Girdling vessel point, often needled together for leucorrhoea and lower abdominal conditions.
Clinical spotlight
GB-28's defining clinical value lies in its dual role as a Gallbladder channel point and a Girdling vessel meeting point. In gynaecological practice, this makes it one of the go-to points for conditions involving downward prolapse, persistent vaginal discharge, and irregular menstruation where the Girdling vessel has lost its regulating function. Deadman notes it alongside Guanyuan (REN-4) in this context. It is a quieter, more specialised point than many of its Gallbladder channel neighbours — not a first reach for general complaints — but when the clinical picture points to the Girdling vessel and lower Jiao stagnation, Weidao earns its place.
The golden tip
For those dealing with lower abdominal heaviness or discomfort, gentle self-massage or acupressure on the lateral hip — just below the front of the hip bone — can be helpful. Warmth, such as a heat pack placed over the lower abdomen and hip area, is comforting when there is a sensation of cold or dragging heaviness. Keep the lower back and abdomen warm in cold weather, as Cold tends to tighten and stagnate the Girdling vessel region.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.