Governing Vessel
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DU-19
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Vertex
Location
On the head midline, 1.5 cun above Qiangjian DU-18 or 1.5 cun posterior to Baihui DU-20.
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind
- Expels Wind
Indications
Commentary
Houding DU-19 is mostly used in severe anxiety situation due to its strong calming effect on the Mind. Therefor, it is also able to ease manic behavior, mental restlessness and insomnia.
On the other hand, it also expels Interior Wind so as to eliminate stiffness and pain on the neck. Other typical symptoms include head, headache, dizziness and aversion to cold.
Classical Sources
Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Houding treats headache, pain and heaviness of the head, dizziness and vertigo."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Houding is indicated for wind headache, stiffness of the neck, epilepsy, mania, and inability to sleep."
How to Locate
First use Baihui DU-20 located at the vertex as a reference point. Then palpate 1.5 cun in a posterior direction and locate Houding DU-19.
Caution
Located on the skull over thin bone and close to the brain - only transverse (subcutaneous) needling is safe. Never needle perpendicular or deeply. The skull is thin in this region, particularly in infants or those with fontanelle abnormalities. Ensure the needle remains in the subcutaneous layer beneath the galea aponeurotica.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun transversely.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness at the scalp. The sensation may spread across the vertex region. Deqi is typically felt as a dull ache or pressure sensation beneath the needle.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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