Governing Vessel meridian
GV-23 (Shàngxīng, 上星) — Upper Star
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel (GV)
- Anatomical view
- head
- Point classification
- One of the traditional Ghost points; no additional channel-meeting classification is listed in the checked sources.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-1.0 cun subcutaneous in adults
- Moxibustion
- Not established: checked point sources report conflicting guidance; the infant needling caution is separate
- Reference aliases
- GV23; Shangxing; 上星; Upper Star
Anatomical location
On the frontal scalp, 1 B-cun above the anterior hairline on the midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally opens the nose, clears wind and heat, and brightens the eyes.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include frontal headache, nasal congestion, nosebleed, and eye pain.
Secondary: Secondary uses include reduced smell, facial swelling, 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) GV23, p. 215
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Du 23: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference DU-23: 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, GV23 infant frontal-suture caution, p. 59
Frequently asked questions
Where is GV-23 located?
On the frontal scalp, 1 B-cun above the anterior hairline on the midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GV-23?
Traditionally opens the nose, clears wind and heat, and brightens the eyes. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include frontal headache, nasal congestion, nosebleed, and eye pain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include reduced smell, facial swelling, and agitation.
Is GV-23 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify GV-23 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.