Governing Vessel
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DU-27
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.2–0.3 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Perioral
Location
On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Benefits the mouth
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Lockjaw
Epilepsy
Dry mouth
Bad breath
Depression
Dark Urine
Bloody nose
Mouth ulcers
Painful gums
Lip swelling
Blocked nose
Lip stiffness
Vomiting frothy saliva
Commentary
Duihuan DU-27 is mostly used to clear Heat so as to benefit the mouth and nose. Therefore, it is able to treat symptoms such as mouth ulcers, bad breath, painful gums, swelling and stiffness of the lips as well as some nose related disorders.
Like many Governing Vessel points on the head, it is also able to expel Interior Wind so as to treat depression, epilepsy or lockjaw.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "癫疾呕沫，神庭及兑端、承浆主之" (For epilepsy with vomiting of foam, Shenting [DU-24], Duiduan [DU-27], and Chengjiang [REN-24] govern it.)
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成): "兑端开口唇中央" (Duiduan is located at the center of the upper lip when the mouth opens.) The text indicates this point treats mouth ulcers, foul breath, and mental disorders including mania and depression.
督脉分寸歌: "兑端唇上端上取" (Duiduan is taken at the tip of the upper lip.)
How to Locate
Duiduan DU-27 is located at the junction of the upper lip and the philtrum.
Caution
This point is located on sensitive lip tissue with rich nerve endings, making needling potentially uncomfortable. Only shallow oblique insertion should be used. Avoid needling if there are active cold sores, herpes lesions, or other infections in the area. The mouth area has abundant blood supply, so minor bleeding may occur. Ensure sterile technique to prevent infection in the perioral region.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.2–0.3 cun
Needling Directions
0.2-0.3 cun obliquely in a superior direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the upper lip. Sensation may spread to the teeth, gums, or nose. Due to the sensitive nature of the lip tissue, this point often produces a sharp or stinging sensation upon needle insertion.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 3-5 minutes or 3-7 cones (use with caution)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Command Point
Commands region:
Face & Mouth
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