Governing Vessel

Naohu DU-17

Chinese: 脑户

Pinyin: Nǎo Hù

Location

1.5 cun above Fengfu DU-16 or 2.5 cun above the posterior hairline, in a depression superior to the external occipital protuberance. 

How to locate

First, locate the external occipital protuberance, which forms a hump-shaped projection on the posterior surface of the occipital bone.

Next, locate Naohu DU-17 on the posterior midline, in a depression directly superior to the protuberance. This corresponds to a distance of approximately 2.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline. 

Main actions

  1. Expels Interior Wind
  2. Benefits the eyes and brain
  3. Calms the Mind

Indications

Myopia Lockjaw Vertigo Epilepsy Eye pain Dizziness Heavy head Blurred vision Excessive tear Manic behavior

Needling

0.5–1 cun transversely in an inferior or superior direction. 

Commentary for Naohu DU-17

Naohu DU-17 is mostly used to expel Interior Wind, especially when the symptoms are related to the Brain, such as epilepsy or lockjaw. The patients also suffer from feeling of heaviness in the head, dizziness and vertigo. 

It is effective in treating eye related manifestations such as blurred vision, myopia, eye pain and excessive lacrimation. 

Finally, it calms the Mind and opens the Mind's orifices so as to treat symptoms such as manic behavior.