Governing Vessel
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
DU-14
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Neck — Posterior
Location
On the midline at the base of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).
Main Actions
- Clears Wind-Heat
- Releases the Exterior
- Tonifies Yang
- Clears Mind
Indications
Commentary
Dazhui Du-14 has two distinct functions, depends if it is used by Reducing or Tonifying method.
When Reducing method is applied, it mostly clears Heat and release Wind from Exterior. The typical manifestations during a Wind-Heat invasion are fever, feeling of heat, aversion to cold, body aches as well as occipital headache and stiffness.
This external Wind-Heat also disturbs the normal circulation of Defensive and Nutritive Qi, thus causes the symptoms of fever, aversion to cold, fever and slight sweating. Dazhui DU-14 is able to ease the above symptoms.
On top of that, this point is able to expel virtually any Exterior Wind or Heat regardless the Organs or Channels involved. Thus it can treat epilepsy.
If Dazhui DU-14 is used with Tonifying method, particularly with direct moxa, it can strongly tonify the Yang, especially in the Heart and Kidneys.
This is the Sea of Qi point and the meeting point of Governing Vessel and all Yang Channels. It stimulates the Brain by transporting clear Yang upwards to the Head. Therefore, the Mind is cleared in case that the patients are confused and depressed.
Classical Sources
Suwen (Plain Questions): First recorded mention of Dazhui appears in the Qi Fu Lun (Chapter on Qi Dwellings), establishing its location and significance.
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "Located in the depression above the first thoracic vertebra." This text established DU-14 as the meeting point of the Du Mai with all six yang channels.
Qianjin Fang (Thousand Gold Prescriptions): "For treating malaria, first ask where the disease originated. If it begins from the head and neck, moxa Dazhui before the episode; if from the lumbar spine, moxa Shenshu; if from the arms, moxa Sanjian."
Zhengjiu Zisheng Jing (Classic of Nourishing Life with Acupuncture): "When applying moxa to vertebrae, one should moxa the prominent part of the bone process for best results."
How to Locate
Firstly locate C6 by running the finger down the neck along the midline as it is the first palpable cervical vertebral spinous process. It becomes impalpable when the patients extend their neck. C7 is below C6 and it is still palpable despite that the neck is extended. Dazhui DU-14 is in the depression below C7.
Caution
The spinal cord lies approximately 1.25–1.75 cm below the skin surface at this location, varying with body build. In thin individuals, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun. Always needle with the patient's spine straight or slightly flexed. Strictly perpendicular or obliquely inferior insertion is safest. If electric shock sensation or numbness radiates to the limbs, withdraw the needle immediately. Caution in pregnancy due to strong qi-moving effect. Reduce stimulation in elderly or weakened patients. After needling or moxibustion, avoid cold exposure to the neck area.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–1 cun strictly vertically to the skin or obliquely in an inferior direction, with the patient’s back straight or flexed in order to avoid puncturing the spinal canal. Oblique insertions should only be carried out by experienced practitioners, as in small persons, irrespective of their body weight, the spinal canal may be reached after only 1.25 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness that typically radiates bilaterally to the shoulders. Some patients experience warmth spreading down the spine. CAUTION: If an electric shock sensation or numbness radiates to the limbs, withdraw the needle immediately as this indicates proximity to or contact with the spinal cord.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes; or 3–7 cones for direct moxa (traditionally matched to patient's age)
Cupping
Particularly Recommended
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Particularly Recommended
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Qi
Position:
Upper Point
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians