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This point, at the nape, benefits the tongue and speech, clears the mind and benefits the neck; a classic point for loss of voice.
Location
At the nape, in the depression below the spinous process of the first cervical vertebra (C1), 0.5 cun within the posterior hairline.
Anatomy
Between the first and second cervical vertebrae; the branches of the occipital artery; the third occipital nerve and the deep lie of the spinal cord.
Actions & Functions
- Benefits the tongue and speech
- Clears the mind and benefits the brain
- Benefits the neck and resolves wind
Indications
Sudden loss of voice, stiffness of the tongue and aphasia, stiff neck, epilepsy and mania, and headache.
Needling
0.5-0.8 cun, directed towards the lower jaw; never angle upward or insert deeply.
Moxibustion Suitability
Moxibustion is contraindicated at this point.
Point Combinations
With DU-16 for the neck and brain; with HT-5 and REN-23 for speech.
Classical Text References
A meeting point of the Du Mai with the Yang Wei Mai.
Cautions & Contraindications
DANGER POINT: the spinal cord/medulla lies deep. Direct the needle towards the lower jaw, do not angle upward, and do not needle deeply.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.
