Governing Vessel
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DU-24
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Forehead
Location
On the head midline, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline.
Main Actions
- Calms and lifts the Mind
- Expels internal Wind
- Benefits the nose and eyes
Indications
Commentary
Shenting is translated to 'Courtyard of the Mind or Spirit', which indicates its great impact on both of them. The courtyard is one of the most important part of traditional Chinese house as it is the entrance and makes the first impression to visitors.
Shenting DU-24 works as the entrance to the Mind and Spirit. It performs the downward movement such as subduing Rebellious Qi and Yang, so as to calm the Mind and open the Mind's orifices. Thus it is able to treat symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia. It is often used together with Benshen GB-13 in case of serious anxiety or fears.
On the other hand, Shenting DU-24 can lift the Mind, to treat depression, sadness or poor memory. It is able to treat psychiatric issues as well such as schizophrenia.
Like many of its neighboring points of the Governing Vessel, it also expels Interior Wind, so as to treat opisthotonos, epilepsy, dizziness or vertigo.
Finally, Shenting DU-24 benefits the nose and eyes. Thus it is used to clear runny or blocked nose, nose blood, allergic rhinitis, blurred vision or lacrimation.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First classical text to formally describe the point location and introduce the name Shenting. Notes contraindications regarding needle use.
Suwen (Basic Questions): References the relationship between the forehead region and the spirit/consciousness, noting this area as where 'the spirit resides.'
Classical texts caution: Several ancient sources warn that improper needling at this point may cause mania or damage eyesight, leading to historical restrictions on its use.
How to Locate
First locate the midpoint of the anterior hairline, measure 0.5 cun in a superior direction and locate Shenting DU-24.
Caution
Classical texts warn that improper needling may cause mania or damage eyesight. Only shallow transverse or oblique insertion should be used - never perpendicular or deep needling. Located close to the frontal bone with minimal subcutaneous tissue. Exercise caution in patients with very thin scalp tissue or receding hairlines where location may vary.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun transversely.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness at the point. The sensation may spread across the forehead. Some patients experience a calming sensation or sense of mental clarity with proper deqi.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
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