Governing Vessel
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DU-15
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Neck — Posterior
Location
On the back of the neck, 0.5 cun directly above the midpoint of the posterior hairline, below the spinous process of 1st cervical vertebra (C1).
Main Actions
- Expels internal Wind
- Benefits the tongue and stimulates speech
- Benefits the neck and spine
Indications
Epilepsy
Heavy head
Poor memory
Loss of voice
Tongue stiffness
Inability to speak
Poor concentration
Impaired consciousness
Commentary
Yamen is translated to 'Gate to Muteness' in Chinese, which indicates its relationship with speech ability. Indeed, it is mostly used to stimulate speaking for children with speech difficulties or for adults after a Wind-stroke.
Secondly it is used to expel Interior Wind so as to regain consciousness from Wind-stroke and epilepsy.
With Tonifying method, it also rises clear Yang to the head so as to nourish the Brain and clear the Mind. It is because Yamen DU-15 works as the Sea of Qi point. Thus it treats feeling of heaviness of the head, poor memory and poor concentration.
Classical Sources
Suwen (素问·气穴论): First mentions the point as '瘖门' (Yinmen), establishing its classical association with muteness and speech disorders.
Sheng Ji Zong Lu (圣济总录): "The Yamen point at the back of the brain must not be injured; injury causes the person to become mute."
Yu Long Ge (玉龙歌): "When speech is suddenly lost and words become difficult, Yamen is found between the two sinews. Know that shallow needling, not deep, will restore harmonious speech as before."
Hui Yang Jiu Zhen Ge (回阳九针歌): Lists Yamen as one of the nine essential points for restoring yang and reviving consciousness in emergency collapse conditions.
How to Locate
The external occipital protuberance is a hump-shaped projection on the posterior surface of the occipital bone, on the midline and slightly superior to the craniocervical junction. Fengfu DU-16 is located in a depression on the posterior midline that you can palpate directly inferior to the protuberance. From there, glide 0.5 cun in an inferior direction and locate Yamen DU-15 superior to the 1st palpable spinous process (C1). DU-15 is also approximately 0.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline.
Caution
CRITICAL SAFETY POINT: This is one of the most dangerous acupuncture points due to proximity to the medulla oblongata and spinal cord. Never needle upward toward the eyes or foramen magnum. Always direct the needle toward the chin/mandible. Maximum safe depth is approximately 1-1.5 cun depending on patient anatomy. The patient should be positioned with head slightly flexed forward to relax neck muscles. Never use aggressive manipulation techniques (heavy lifting-thrusting or rapid rotation). If the patient reports electric shock sensations radiating to the limbs, withdraw the needle immediately. Historically listed among the ancient contraindicated moxibustion points due to the underlying vital structures.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun strictly vertically in an inferior direction. Caution: Injury to the cervical marrow.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness at the nape of the neck, possibly radiating toward the occiput or downward along the spine. IMPORTANT: If the patient experiences electric shock sensations radiating to the limbs, withdraw the needle immediately as this indicates proximity to the spinal cord.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: Not applicable - moxibustion contraindicated
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Qi
Position:
Upper Point
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