Governing Vessel
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DU-22
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 head midline, 3 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20, 2 cun posterior to the front hairline.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
- Benefits the head and nose
Indications
Sleepy
Red face
Dandruff
Nose pain
Headaches
Dizziness
Bloody nose
Blocked nose
Palpitations
Blurred vision
Runny nose in kids
Swelling of the face
Commentary
Xinhui DU-22 is not such an important point and it often plays a supporting role together with its neighboring points.
It is mostly used to expel Interior Wind and treat various head and nose related disorders.
Classical Sources
《灵枢·热病》Líng Shū - Rè Bìng (Spiritual Pivot - Heat Diseases):
First classical source to document this point as part of the Du Mai trajectory on the head.
《针灸甲乙经》Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng (A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
Records the point's indications including 'headache with bluish complexion' (头痛颜青者) and describes its location and needling method.
《针灸资生经》Zhēn Jiǔ Zī Shēng Jīng (Classic of Nourishing Life with Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
Documents additional uses for brain deficiency cold (脑虚冷) and nasal bleeding from the brain (脑衄).
《针灸大成》Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
Lists Xinhui as part of the Du Mai sequence with its classical name 囟會 and includes it in the Du Mai point song.
How to Locate
First locate the midpoint of the front hairline and measure 2 cun posterior to locate Xinhui DU-22.
Caution
CAUTION IN INFANTS: This point is located at the anterior fontanelle (soft spot) where skull bones have not yet fused. Needling is strictly contraindicated in infants and young children whose fontanelles have not closed (typically closes by 18-24 months). In adults, use only transverse/subcutaneous insertion along the scalp—never perpendicular needling. The skull is thin in this region, requiring careful technique to avoid periosteal irritation or deeper penetration.
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, as Xinhui DU-22 is located on the anterior border of the fontanelle.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or heaviness at the scalp. Sensation may radiate across the vertex. Due to the thin tissue over the skull, the sensation is typically mild and localized.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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