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This point, at the occiput, is one of the most important points for expelling both external and internal wind. It benefits the head, eyes, ears and nose, subdues Liver yang and relieves neck stiffness.
Location
At the nape, in the depression between the upper portion of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius, level with DU-16 (below the occiput).
Anatomy
Between sternocleidomastoid and trapezius; the occipital artery and vein; the lesser occipital nerve.
Actions & Functions
- Expels external wind and extinguishes internal wind
- Subdues Liver yang and benefits the head and brain
- Benefits the eyes, ears and nose
- Relieves neck stiffness and clears heat
Indications
Headache and migraine, dizziness, common cold, hypertension and Liver-yang disorders, red and painful eyes, blurred vision, tinnitus, nasal congestion, and pain and stiffness of the neck.
Needling
0.5-1.0 cun, directed towards the tip of the nose or the opposite eye; do not needle towards the throat or deeply upward.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion.
Point Combinations
With LI-4 and DU-16 for common cold and headache; with LV-3 for Liver-yang headache; with GB-20 bilaterally and DU-20 for the head.
Classical Text References
A meeting point with the Yang Wei Mai; the chief point for wind disorders of the head.
Cautions & Contraindications
The depth and angle are important: direct towards the opposite eye/tip of the nose. Deep insertion towards the midline or foramen magnum is dangerous.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.
