Governing Vessel
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DU-26
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Perioral
Location
Below the nose, a little above the midpoint of the philtrum.
Main Actions
- Restores consciousness
- Benefits the face and nose
- Expels Wind
- Benefits the lumbar spine
- Regulates water passage of the Upper Burner
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Renzhong DU-26 is most famous for its function of restoring consciousness.
Like many other Governing Vessel points located in the head, it is able to expel Interior Wind, so as to treat symptoms such as lockjaw, eye or mouth deviation or epilepsy.
It can also calm the Mind by opening the Mind's orifices. Thus it treats manic depression.
Like Shangxing DU-23, it benefits the nose by opening the nose passages. Thus it treats runny or bloody nose, lose of sense of small and etc.
It also benefits the lumbar spine by removing the stiffness and pain there.
Finally, it regulates the Water passage of the Upper Burner, thus it is able to remove Oedema from the face and hands.
Classical Sources
Qian Jin Yao Fang (千金要方 - Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold): "第一針人中，名鬼宮" (The first needle at Renzhong, named Ghost Palace) - establishing DU-26 as the primary Ghost Point for treating spirit disorders and possession.
Ling Shu (靈樞 - Spiritual Pivot): Referenced as a meeting point of the Du Mai with the Yangming channels (Stomach and Large Intestine), explaining its powerful effect on the face, consciousness, and yang qi.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - A-B Classic of Acupuncture): Indicated for "sudden death, corpse-like collapse, coma, wind-stroke with locked jaw, epilepsy, mania, cardiac pain with spasm."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (針灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture): "Human Center is the junction between Heaven (nose/respiration) and Earth (mouth/digestion), governing the spirit of humanity."
How to Locate
Locate the philtrum, which forms a distinct groove on the midline between the root of the nose and the margin of the upper lip. Locate Renzhong DU-26 slightly superior to the midpoint of the philtrum.
Caution
This point is typically quite painful to needle due to the concentrated sensory innervation from branches of the infraorbital nerve (trigeminal nerve). Use firm, confident needling technique. Avoid excessive depth to prevent damage to the underlying orbicularis oris muscle. In emergency situations, strong finger pressure or nail stimulation can substitute if needles are unavailable. For psychiatric conditions, use as part of the Ghost Point protocol with appropriate clinical judgment. During pregnancy, use with caution and reduced stimulation.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun obliquely in a superior direction. Caution: Needling this point may be painful.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Sharp, intense sensation with possible stinging or electric-like quality radiating to the nose and upper lip. Due to rich sensory innervation from the infraorbital nerves, this point typically produces strong deqi that may cause tearing of the eyes. The intensity of sensation is part of its therapeutic effect, particularly for emergency resuscitation.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: Generally not recommended due to sensitive facial location
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Command Point
Commands region:
Face & Mouth
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