GB 30 — Huán Tiào (环跳) — Jumping Circle
GB 30 (Huan Tiao, "Jumping Circle") is the principal acupuncture point for sciatica, hip pain and lower-back pain radiating into the leg. Located in the buttock at the junction of the lateral and middle thirds of a line between the greater trochanter and the sacral hiatus, it is one of the most clinically powerful points in pain management. Strong needling at this point activates the Gallbladder meridian, dispels Wind-Damp-Cold and unblocks the channel — producing rapid relief in acute and chronic sciatic pain.
On this page
1. Overview
GB 30 — Huán Tiào (环跳) — is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian. Its English name, Jumping Circle, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use GB 30 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
At the junction of the lateral one-third and medial two-thirds of the distance between the greater trochanter and the sacral hiatus (GV 2). With the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the hip flexed.
3. Actions
- Activates the meridian and relieves pain in the hip and lower limb
- Dispels Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome from the hip joint
- Benefits the hip joint and the entire Gallbladder channel of the leg
4. Indications
- Sciatica — the most important point for sciatic pain
- Hip pain from osteoarthritis, bursitis or piriformis syndrome
- Low back pain radiating to the leg
- Hemiplegia and lower limb paralysis
- Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome of the hip and lower extremity
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 2.0–3.0 cun. A strong propagated De Qi sensation radiating down the leg into the foot confirms correct location and indicates the sciatic nerve territory is being stimulated — this is the desired response for sciatica.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
GB 30 is the meeting point of the Gallbladder and Bladder meridians and is indispensable for the treatment of sciatica and hip pain. The propagated De Qi sensation radiating from the hip down the leg and into the foot — mimicking the patient's sciatic symptoms — confirms correct depth and direction and is associated with the best clinical outcomes. GB 30 is typically combined with BL 40, BL 60, BL 23 and GB 34 to form the complete sciatica prescription. For hip pain, it is combined with GB 29 (Juliao) and local points around the greater trochanter.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GB 30 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Sciatica, Hip pain, Back pain. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
Where is GB 30 (Huan Tiao) located?
GB 30 (Huan Tiao, Jumping Round) is located deep in the buttock, at the junction of the upper one-third and lower two-thirds of a line drawn between the greater trochanter (the bony point at the side of the hip) and the sacral hiatus. With the patient lying on their side with the upper leg flexed, the depression appears clearly.
What conditions is GB 30 used for?
GB 30 is the principal acupuncture point for sciatica, hip pain and lateral leg pain. It's used for any pain travelling down the buttock and outer leg (the Gallbladder channel distribution), piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, lumbar disc protrusion with leg radiation, and post-stroke or post-injury hip-and-leg pain. Combined with GB 34 and BL 60 it forms the classical sciatica treatment.
What is the GB 30 acupuncture point depth and technique?
GB 30 requires a long needle (75–100mm) inserted perpendicular through the gluteal muscles to a depth of 50–80mm. The deqi sensation (heaviness, soreness, electric travelling sensation) often radiates down the leg, which is the desired clinical response in sciatica. Technique requires careful anatomy knowledge to avoid the sciatic nerve trunk; only experienced acupuncturists should needle this point.
Can I self-acupressure GB 30?
Self-acupressure at GB 30 is challenging because of the depth (deep within the gluteal muscle). Tennis-ball self-massage is more effective — lie on a tennis ball or hockey ball placed at the GB 30 location, allowing body weight to apply pressure for 1–3 minutes per side. Particularly useful for piriformis tightness and sciatica self-care between acupuncture sessions.
How often should I have acupuncture at GB 30 for sciatica?
Acute sciatica typically responds to twice-weekly acupuncture for the first 2 weeks, transitioning to weekly for a further 4–6 weeks. Most patients see meaningful pain reduction within 4–6 sessions and substantial functional recovery within 8–12 sessions. Chronic sciatica responds more slowly, often requiring 12–16 sessions with monthly maintenance thereafter.
