Governing Vessel 18 (DU 18) Qiang Jian — Unyielding Space

This point, on the vertex region, relieves headache and stiff neck and calms the spirit.

Governing Vessel 18 (DU 18) Qiang Jian 強間 — Unyielding Space

Location

On the head, on the midline, 4 cun superior to the posterior hairline (1.5 cun superior to DU-17).

Anatomy

On the epicranial aponeurosis; the occipital arteries and veins; the greater occipital nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Relieves headache and stiff neck
  • Calms the spirit

Indications

Headache and dizziness, stiff neck, insomnia, and mania.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, transverse insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With DU-20 for headache and dizziness.

Classical Text References

A point of the Du Mai on the vertex region.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.