Governing Vessel meridian
GV-14 (Dàzhuī, 大椎) — Great Vertebra
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel (GV)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Meeting point of the Governing Vessel with the six primary yang channels; associated with the Sea of Qi in the checked educational source.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-1.0 cun oblique superiorly, with depth adjusted to cervical anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Applicable in the checked point-specific source; dosing claims are not reproduced
- Reference aliases
- GV14; Dazhui; 大椎; Great Vertebra
Anatomical location
At the back of the neck, on the posterior midline in the depression below the spinous process of C7.
Traditional actions
Traditionally releases the exterior, clears heat, regulates nutritive and defensive qi, and supports yang.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include fever, chills, neck stiffness, cough, wheezing, and headache.
Secondary: Secondary uses include fatigue, skin eruptions, seizure patterns, and upper-back pain.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) GV14, p. 210
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Du 14: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference DU-14: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
- College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, Safety Handbook for Alberta Practitioners Appendix 1, GV3-GV14 spinal canal cautions, pp. 58-59
Frequently asked questions
Where is GV-14 located?
At the back of the neck, on the posterior midline in the depression below the spinous process of C7.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GV-14?
Traditionally releases the exterior, clears heat, regulates nutritive and defensive qi, and supports yang. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include fever, chills, neck stiffness, cough, wheezing, and headache. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include fatigue, skin eruptions, seizure patterns, and upper-back pain.
Is GV-14 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify GV-14 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.