Governing Vessel
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DU-23
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Forehead
Location
On the head midline, 1 cun within anterior to the front hairline, 4 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20.
Main Actions
- Benefits the nose and eyes
Indications
Commentary
Shangxing DU-23 is mostly applied to treat chronic nose disorder like sinusitis or allergic rhinitis by opening the nose and removing Dampness from the nose and sinuses. Therefore, it is effective in solving blocked or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, nasal polyps, sneezing or bloody nose.
On the other hand, it also benefits the eyes, thus treats blurred vision, eye pain and myopia.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First records the point location "in the depression 1 cun within the hairline, directly above the nose center." Lists indications including eye pain with inability to see, nasal bleeding, and heat diseases without sweating.
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (铜人腧穴针灸图经 - Illustrated Manual of Acupuncture Points on the Bronze Figure): Cautions against moxibustion on infants whose fontanelle has not yet closed.
Taiping Shenghui Fang (太平圣惠方): Records that Shangxing treats "head wind with head and skin swelling, nasal obstruction, and headache" as well as "head wind with dizziness, nasal obstruction and inability to smell."
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Notes indications including facial redness and swelling, nasal obstruction with headache, and dizziness.
Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (备急千金要方 - Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies): Sun Simiao includes this point as one of the 13 Ghost Points (鬼堂 Gui Tang - Ghost Hall) for treating mental disorders and psychosis.
How to Locate
First locate the midpoint of the anterior hairline, measure 1 cun in a superior direction and locate Shangxing DU-23.
Caution
Contraindicated for needling in infants whose anterior fontanelle (soft spot) has not yet closed or those with metopism (unfused frontal suture). Classical texts advise caution with moxibustion at this point. Only shallow transverse needling should be used due to the thin tissue over the frontal bone. Avoid perpendicular deep insertion.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun transversely.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and heaviness at the needling site. Some patients may experience a sensation radiating toward the forehead or nose. Mild soreness or aching is common. The deqi sensation tends to be relatively mild compared to points on the limbs due to the thin tissue layer over the skull.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 5-10 minutes (use with caution; some classical texts advise against moxibustion at this point)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Related Resources
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