Governing Vessel
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DU-18
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Vertex, Head — Occipital
Location
On the posterior midline, 1.5 cun above Naohu DU-17, midway between Fengfu DU-16 and Baihui DU-20.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Qiangjian DU-18 is a less important point and it is often used as an assistant role to other points.
Together with neighboring points of the Governing Vessels on the head, such as Naohu DU-17 and Houding DU-19, it is able to expels Interior Wind and calm the Mind. It can also ease severe stabbing pain in the head region.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经 – Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Qiangjian among the Du Mai points on the head for treating headache, neck rigidity, and visual disturbances.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成 – Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records this point for treating mania, epilepsy, dizziness, and severe headache, particularly stabbing pain in the head that is difficult to endure.
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (铜人腧穴针灸图经 – Bronze Figure Manual): Describes the point location and notes its effectiveness for disorders of the head and spirit-mind disturbances.
How to Locate
First locate Naohu DU-17 in a depression directly superior to the external occipital protuberance, which forms a humpshaped projection on the posterior surface of the occipital bone. From there, palpate 1.5 cun in a superior direction and locate Qiangjian DU-18 on the posterior midline. On the other hand, Baihui DU-20 is located 3 cun in a superior direction, on the vertex.
Caution
Located on the skull over the brain - transverse (subcutaneous) needling only is safe. Never needle perpendicularly or deeply. The point lies over the sagittal suture area where the skull may be thinner in some individuals. Exercise caution in patients with previous cranial surgery, skull defects, or in infants/young children with incomplete cranial ossification. Avoid aggressive needle manipulation.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun transversely
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or heaviness at the point site. Sensation may radiate anteriorly toward the vertex or posteriorly toward the occiput. Some patients experience a mild pressure sensation spreading across the scalp. De qi on scalp points is typically subtle compared to body points.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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