Governing Vessel meridian
GV-17 (Nǎohù, 脑户) — Brain's Door
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel (GV)
- Anatomical view
- head
- Point classification
- Meeting point of the Governing Vessel and Foot Taiyang Bladder channel.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-0.8 cun subcutaneous
- Moxibustion
- Not established: checked point sources report conflicting guidance
- Reference aliases
- GV17; Naohu; 脑户; Brain's Door
Anatomical location
On the posterior head, in the depression immediately above the external occipital protuberance on the midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally clears the head, benefits the eyes, and calms internal wind.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include occipital headache, dizziness, visual disturbance, and neck stiffness.
Secondary: Secondary uses include seizure patterns, loss of voice, and agitation.
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) GV17, p. 212
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Du 17: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference DU-17: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
Frequently asked questions
Where is GV-17 located?
On the posterior head, in the depression immediately above the external occipital protuberance on the midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GV-17?
Traditionally clears the head, benefits the eyes, and calms internal wind. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include occipital headache, dizziness, visual disturbance, and neck stiffness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include seizure patterns, loss of voice, and agitation.
Is GV-17 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify GV-17 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.