Governing Vessel meridian
GV-26 (Shuǐgōu, 水沟) — Water Trough
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel (GV)
- Anatomical view
- head
- Point classification
- Meeting point of the Governing Vessel with the Hand and Foot Yangming channels; one of the traditional Ghost points.
- Depth reference
- 0.3-0.5 cun oblique superiorly
- Moxibustion
- Direct moxibustion is contraindicated on the face; indirect use is not established in checked point sources
- Reference aliases
- GV26; Shuigou; 水沟; Water Trough
Anatomical location
On the face, at the midpoint of the vertical groove of the philtrum.
Traditional actions
Traditionally restores awareness, clears the senses, benefits the face, and relieves acute lumbar tension.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include fainting patterns, facial weakness, swelling of the face, and acute low-back strain.
Secondary: Secondary uses include seizure patterns, agitation, and nasal obstruction.
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) GV26, p. 216
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Du 26: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference DU-26: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling sections; no moxibustion statement found
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 3.9, direct moxibustion on the face, p. 23
Frequently asked questions
Where is GV-26 located?
On the face, at the midpoint of the vertical groove of the philtrum.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GV-26?
Traditionally restores awareness, clears the senses, benefits the face, and relieves acute lumbar tension. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include fainting patterns, facial weakness, swelling of the face, and acute low-back strain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include seizure patterns, agitation, and nasal obstruction.
Is GV-26 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify GV-26 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.