Governing Vessel
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DU-17
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 — Occipital
Location
1.5 cun above Fengfu DU-16 or 2.5 cun above the posterior hairline, in a depression superior to the external occipital protuberance.
Main Actions
- Expels Interior Wind
- Benefits the eyes and brain
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Naohu DU-17 is mostly used to expel Interior Wind, especially when the symptoms are related to the Brain, such as epilepsy or lockjaw. The patients also suffer from feeling of heaviness in the head, dizziness and vertigo.
It is effective in treating eye related manifestations such as blurred vision, myopia, eye pain and excessive lacrimation.
Finally, it calms the Mind and opens the Mind's orifices so as to treat symptoms such as manic behavior.
Classical Sources
Suwen (Plain Questions) - Chapter 52, Ci Jin Lun (On Prohibitions in Needling):
First mentions this point, indicating it was recognized as a critical location requiring caution during needling.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture):
Lists the point as the meeting point of the Du Mai and Foot Taiyang (Bladder) channels, describing its location at the upper border of the external occipital protuberance.
Lingshu - Hailun (Chapter 33):
In classical discussion of the Sea of Marrow theory, Naohu DU-17 is considered an important access point to the brain and marrow.
Classical safety warnings:
Several classical texts contraindicate both deep needling and moxibustion at this point, warning that improper technique could cause serious harm.
How to Locate
First, locate the external occipital protuberance, which forms a hump-shaped projection on the posterior surface of the occipital bone. Next, locate Naohu DU-17 on the posterior midline, in a depression directly superior to the protuberance. This corresponds to a distance of approximately 2.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline.
Caution
This is a sensitive point located directly over the skull near the brain. Classical texts warn that deep needling may cause serious harm. Only transverse (subcutaneous) needling along the scalp is recommended. Several classical sources contraindicate moxibustion at this point, warning it could cause muteness. Modern practice allows mild moxibustion with caution. Avoid in patients with skull defects, recent cranial surgery, or intracranial pathology.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun transversely in an inferior or superior direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness locally at the occiput, sometimes radiating across the scalp. Deqi may produce a sensation of fullness or expansion at the top of the head. Some patients report a feeling of mental clarity after stimulation.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 3–5 minutes with mild warming (use with caution)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Questionable
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Marrow
Position:
Upper Point
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