Governing Vessel
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DU-16
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Head — Occipital, Neck — Posterior
Location
Directly below the external occipital protuberance, in the depression between the origins of the trapezius muscle.
Main Actions
- Expels Interior and Exterior Wind
- Nourishes Marrow and benefits the Brain
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Fengfu DU-16 is a very important point for expelling both Exterior or Interior Wind. For example, the symptom of headache can be the result of both type of Wind.
Liver Yang rising, Liver Wind agitating or Liver Fire may give rise to Internal Wind. Other typical manifestations are opisthotonos, aphasia from Wind-stroke, Wind-stroke or hemiplegia.
When the body is invaded by Exterior Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, the patients suffer from fever, body aches, occipital stiffness, headache and aversion to cold.
Fengfu DU-16 is a Sea of Marrow point, which stimulates the Marrow to go up to fill the Brain. This is another reason this point is able to treat headache. Other typical symptoms are dizziness, tinnitus and blurred vision.
Finally, it calms the Mind and open the Mind's orifices so as to treat manic behavior, suicidal thoughts, sadness or sense of fear.
Classical Sources
Huangdi Neijing Suwen (Yellow Emperor's Classic - Basic Questions): "Wind qi follows Fengfu and ascends, then becomes brain wind." This passage establishes Fengfu as a critical gateway where wind pathogen enters and affects the brain.
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Fengfu for treating headache, neck stiffness, nosebleeds, loss of voice, and manic disorders. Notes it as a meeting point of the Du Mai and Yang Wei Mai.
Qianjin Yaofang (Thousand Gold Prescriptions) by Sun Simiao: Includes Fengfu as the sixth Ghost Point (Gui Zhen - Ghost Pillow) for treating mental disorders and conditions where the spirit is disturbed.
How to Locate
The external occipital protuberance is a hump-shaped projection on the posterior surface of the occipital bone, on the midline and slightly superior to the craniocervical junction. Locate Fengfu Du-16 in a depression on the posterior midline that can be palpated directly inferior to the protuberance and between the two origins of the trapezius muscle. Generally, Du-16 is located approximately 1 cun superior to the posterior hairline.
Caution
CRITICAL SAFETY POINT: The medulla oblongata (brainstem) lies in the deep layer beneath this point. Never needle in an upward/superior direction toward the foramen magnum. Always direct the needle tip slightly inferiorly toward the chin or nose. Keep depth shallow (0.5-1 cun maximum). Have patient flex head slightly forward to open the space and relax neck muscles before needling. If patient reports electric shock sensation, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, withdraw needle immediately - this indicates potential contact with neural structures. No lifting-thrusting manipulation. Moxibustion is classically contraindicated as fire may 'fan' wind pathology at this location.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun slightly obliquely in an inferior direction. Bend the patient’s head slightly forward when needling. Caution: Dangerous point with deep needling! No stimulation. Strictly no needling in a superior direction, danger of puncturing the cerebellomedullary cistern (also site for suboccipital puncture). The needle should be inserted into the nuchal ligament. According to some authors, moxibustion is contraindicated.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness at the nape of the neck. Deqi may radiate upward toward the occiput or downward along the spine. Some patients may experience a sensation spreading to the vertex. Strong stimulation should be avoided. An electric or shooting sensation indicates the needle is too deep and approaching the spinal cord - withdraw immediately.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: Moxibustion contraindicated at this point
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Marrow
Position:
Upper Point
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