Governing Vessel
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DU-21
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Vertex
Location
On the midline, 1.5 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20 or 3.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
Indications
Spasms
Oedema
Epilepsy
Red face
Dizziness
Runny nose
Vertex pain
Vertex swelling
Aversion to cold
Aversion to wind
Swelling of the face
Commentary
Qiangding DU-21 is mostly used to expel Wind and treat convulsions. Therefore, it is able to treat symptoms such as visual dizziness, epilepsy and chronic spasm.
It is also able to treat pain and swelling of the vertex as well as swelling and redness of the face. Other typical manifestations include edema, aversion to Wind and Cold as well as profuse nose discharge.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Qianding among points treating head Wind, visual dizziness, and epilepsy. The point is described as beneficial for vertex pain and swelling.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records the point's indications including epilepsy, dizziness, vertex headache, blurred vision, and rhinorrhea. Notes contraindication for needling in infants whose fontanelle has not closed.
How to Locate
First locate Baihui DU-20 at the junction of a line connecting the apex of the ears and the midline. Then locate Qiangding DU-21 1.5 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.
Caution
Contraindicated for needling in infants whose fontanelle has not yet closed or in patients with metopism (unfused frontal suture). Use only transverse/subcutaneous insertion; perpendicular deep needling risks penetrating the skull. The scalp is rich in nerves and blood vessels, making this area more painful than limb points. Ensure the needle tip is sharp and insertion is rapid to minimize discomfort.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun transversely. Caution with infants whose fontanelle has not yet closed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or mild soreness over the vertex. Needling sensation may radiate along the midline of the scalp. The scalp area is generally more sensitive and painful than limb acupuncture points due to rich nerve supply.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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