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Song of Acupoints on the Governor Vessel (Du Mai)

The Governor Vessel (Du Mai, a channel governing all Yang channels) runs along the midline of the back. It has twenty-eight acupoints, starting from Changqiang (Long Strong, GV1). Yaoshu (Lumbar Altar, GV2), Yangguan (Yang Gate, GV3) enter the Mingmen (Life Gate, GV4) area; Xianshu (Suspended Pivot, GV5), Jizhong (Spine Center, GV6), Zhongshu (Central Pivot, GV7) are arranged in sequence. Jinsuo (Tendon Contraction, GV8), Zhiyang (Extreme Yang, GV9) belong to Lingtai (Spirit Platform, GV10); Shendao (Spirit Path, GV11), Shenzhu (Spirit Pillar, GV12), Taodao (Way of Tao, GV13) open sequentially. Dazhui (Great Vertebra, GV14), Yamen (Dark Door, GV15) connect to Fengfu (Wind Palace, GV16); Naohu (Brain Chamber, GV17), Qiangjian (Strong Interlocking, GV18), Houding (Posterior Vertex, GV19) are arranged in order. Baihui (Hundred Meetings, GV20), Qianding (Anterior Vertex, GV21) connect to Xinhui (Fontanelle Meeting, GV22); Shangxing (Upper Star, GV23), Shenting (Spirit Courtyard, GV24), Suliao (White Ridge, GV25) face each other. Shuigou (Water Trench, GV26, also known as Renzhong), Duanduan (End of Lip, CV15) are located above the lips; Yinjiao (Gum Intersection, GV28) is inside the upper gum cleft.

When selecting acupoints of the Governor Vessel in the spinal intervals, one should select them at the protrusions of bone joints. By observing the pattern like fish bones, this can be understood. If selected below the joints, efficacy will certainly not be seen.

Changqiang (GV1) (also named Qi Zhiyin, Ju Gu; called Qionggu in *Ling Shu*, also named Gudi) is located at the tip of the coccyx. It is accessed while lying prone. The collateral branch of the Governor Vessel diverges to run to the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai), where the Qi of Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian knots. Needle 2 fen deep, retain for seven breaths, moxa 3 cones. *Jia Yi Jing* states: needle 3 fen deep. Another method says moxa 30 cones daily, up to 200 cones. Avoid cold food and sexual fatigue.

Indications: Stiffness and urgency of the lower back and spine, inability to bend or extend, mania, difficulty in urination and defecation, intestinal wind bleeding, five types of hemorrhoids and strangury, gangrenous erosion in the lower part, severe diarrhea with loss of essence and vomiting blood, sunken fontanelle in infants, convulsions due to fright, prolapse of rectum with bloody stool; this point is the root for treating the five types of hemorrhoids. An empirical prescription records that moxibustion on this point is most effective for young people suffering from summer wasting syndrome. *Qianjin Yi Fang* states: for treating dysentery with red and white discharge, moxa the Qionggu bone 100 cones, more is better. Also treats leaking hemorrhoids, gangrenous parasites eating the lower part; needle 3 fen deep, access while prone, aim for severe pain as the threshold; moxibustion is also good, 30 cones daily for 7 days, but acupuncture is superior. Moxa the tailbone (Wei Cui) 7 cones to treat rectal prolapse effectively; *Qianjin Fang* calls it Guiwei, which is the Qionggu.

*Yu Long Fu* states: combined with Chengshan (BL58), moxibustion is best for hemorrhoids.
*Xi Hong Fu* states: combined with Dazhu (BL11) during needling, treats Xiao Chang Qi pain. Also states: for long-standing pediatric rectal prolapse, first moxa Baihui then Changqiang.
*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Baihui, specializes in treating rectal prolapse. Also states: needling Changqiang and Chengshan excellently treats newly onset intestinal wind bleeding.
*Ling Guang Fu* states: Baihui and Guiwei treat dysentery.
*Tian Xing Mi Jue* states: combined with Dadun (LR1), treats Xiao Chang hernia.

Yaoshu (GV2) (also named Yao Zhu, Bei Jie, Yao Hu, Sui Kong) is located in the depression between the spinous processes of the 21st thoracic vertebra. Needle 2 fen deep, retain for seven breaths, moxa 5 cones. One method says needle 5 fen deep, moxa 49 cones.

Indications: Heavy and painful lower back and spine, inability to bend, extend, move, or act; cold numbness and insensitivity from the waist down to the feet; stiffness preventing sitting or lying; moxa according to age (Sui Nian Zhuang); warm malaria without sweating; amenorrhea with dark urine in women; avoid sexual activity and strenuous labor after moxibustion.

*Qian Jin Fang* states: for sudden lumbar pain, moxa 7 cones one cun above the Qionggu; this refers to this point.

*Xi Hong Fu* states: combined with Huantiao (GB30) using burning needle, treats cold wind and cold bi-syndrome.

Yangguan (GV3) is located below the spinous process of the 16th thoracic vertebra, accessed while prone. (*Jia Yi Jing* does not list this point.) Needle 5 fen deep, moxa 3 cones.

Indications: Knee pain with inability to flex or extend, wind-bi numbness, tendon contraction preventing walking.

Mingmen (GV4) (also named Shu Lei) is located below the spinous process of the 14th thoracic vertebra, accessed while prone. Another method says level with the umbilicus, use a thread to locate. Needle 5 fen deep, moxa 3 cones. One method says needle 3 fen deep, moxa 27 cones. For those over 20 years old, moxibustion may cause sterility.

Indications: Lower back pain due to Kidney deficiency, red and white leukorrhea, seminal emission and tinnitus in men, cold numbness and tendon contraction/hernia in hands and feet, fright and dizziness, headache as if breaking, body heat like fire, bone-steaming fever without sweat, malaria with convulsions, abdominal urgency and pain.

*Qian Jin Fang* states: for lower back pain preventing movement, have the patient stand upright, prop a bamboo staff on the ground, measure to the umbilicus, then use the staff to measure the dorsal spine, moxa at the end of the staff, according to age. For male hemorrhoid leakage with blood, rectal prolapse, anorexia, chronic diarrhea/dysentery, female metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, strangury with red/white discharge, moxa these points. This point is one cun lateral to both sides, transverse three cun interval for moxibustion.

*Shen Nong Jing* states: for lower back pain, moxa 7 cones.

*Yu Long Fu* states: for elderly frequent urination, combine with Shenshu (BL23) for moxibustion.

*Biao You Fu* states: combined with Ganshu (BL18), enables blind persons to see the finest hairs.

Folk tradition holds that moxibustion on this point is effective for many cases of alternating chills and fever.

Xianshu (GV5) is located below the spinous process of the 13th thoracic vertebra, accessed while prone. Needle 3 fen deep, moxa 3 or 5 cones.

Indications: Stiffness of lower back and spine preventing flexion/extension, accumulation of Qi in abdomen, pain above and below, undigested food/water, persistent diarrhea/dysentery.

Jizhong (GV6) (also named Shen Zong, Ji Shu) is located below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra, accessed while bending forward. Needle 5 fen deep, contraindicated for moxibustion; moxibustion causes kyphosis.

Indications: Wind-epilepsy and madness, abdominal fullness and anorexia, five types of hemorrhoids, accumulation masses with dysentery. For children with red/white dysentery, late autumn rectal prolapse where anal pain is unbearable during defecation, moxibustion is acceptable.

Zhongshu (GV7) is located below the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra, accessed while bending forward. This point is omitted in most texts; only Wang’s commentary on *Qi Fu Lun* under Governor Vessel mentions it. Examining *Qi Xue Lun*: "Pain controlled between back and heart," treated by Tiantu and the 10th vertebra point; this point is Zhongshu. Needle 5 fen deep, contraindicated for moxibustion; moxibustion causes lordosis/kyphosis of waist and back. One transmission says this point reduces fever and promotes appetite, moxa 3 cones; commonly used with effect, no kyphosis observed.

Jinsuo (GV8) is located below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra, accessed while bending forward. Needle 5 fen deep, moxa 3 or 5 cones.

Indications: Epilepsy, fright, mania, stiff spine, wind-epilepsy, eyes rolling upward.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Shuidao (ST28), specializes in treating stiff spine.

Zhiyang (GV9) is located below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra, accessed while bending forward. Needle 5 fen deep, moxa 3 cones.

Indications: Stiff and painful lower back and spine, cold stomach with anorexia, shortness of breath and difficulty speaking, chest and hypochondriac distension/fullness, emaciation and jaundice, leg soreness, heavy and painful limbs, alternating chills and fever with spasms. One method says moxa 3 cones to treat asthma immediately.

*Shen Nong Jing* states: for alternating chills, leg soreness, heavy/painful limbs, cough, moxa 3 to 7 cones.

*Yu Long Fu* states: resolves jaundice and treats mental fatigue.

Lingtai (GV10) is located below the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra, accessed while bending forward. Needle 3 fen deep, moxa 3 cones. Not in *Jia Yi Jing*, appears in commentary on *Qi Fu Lun*.

Indications: Currently, folk practice uses moxibustion for asthma preventing lying down and chronic cough due to wind-cold; healing occurs upon application of fire.

Shendao (GV11) is located below the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra, accessed while bending forward. Needle 5 fen deep, retain for five breaths, moxa 5 cones. One method says moxa 49 to 100 cones, contraindicated for needling.

Indications: Typhoid headache, alternating chills and fever, malaria, sorrow, forgetfulness, palpitations. Jaw stiffness, inability to open mouth, pediatric wind-epilepsy convulsions; moxa 7 cones.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Xinshu (BL15), treats wind-epilepsy originating spontaneously.

Shenzhu (GV12) is located below the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra, accessed while bending forward. Needle 5 fen deep, retain for five breaths, moxa 5 cones. One method says moxa 49 cones.

Indications: Lower back and spine pain, epilepsy, manic running, anger wanting to kill, convulsions with body heat, delirium seeing ghosts, pediatric fright-epilepsy.

*Shen Nong Jing* states: for cough, moxa 14 cones.

*Yu Long Fu* states: stops cough, removes back pain.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Benshen (GB13), excellently treats epilepsy.

*Qian Kun Sheng Yi* states: together with Taodao (GV13), Feishu (BL13), Gaohuang (BL43), is a critical method for treating deficiency damage, five labors, and seven injuries.

One transmission treats four-season typhoid.

Taodao (GV13) is below the Dazhui vertebra, accessed while bending forward. Intersection of Governor Vessel and Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Needle 5 fen deep, retain for five breaths, moxa 5 cones. One method says needle 3 fen deep.

Indications: Malaria with chills/shivering, stiff spine with irritability/fullness, no sweat, heavy head, blurred vision, convulsions, vague/unhappy state of mind.

*Qian Kun Sheng Yi* states: combined with Shenzhu (GV12), Feishu (BL13), Gaohuang (BL43), treats deficiency damage, five labors, seven injuries.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Zhonglvshu (BL46), treats seasonal heat epidemics.

One transmission says this point effectively clears bone-steaming heat.

Dazhui (GV14) (also named Bailao) is in the depression above the 1st thoracic vertebra. One method says level with shoulders. Intersection of Hand-Foot Three-Yang Meridians and Governor Vessel. Needle 5 fen deep, retain for five breaths, moxa 5 cones. One method says number of cones equals age. Dazhui is the Hui-Point of Bones; moxa for bone diseases.

Indications: Fatigue from five labors and seven injuries, wind-labor and food qi, persistent malaria, lung distension with hypochondriac fullness, vomiting and rebellious Qi, stiffness in back and shoulders, stiff neck unable to look back. One method says it drains heat from chest and various heat pathogens. For treating alternating chills/fever via moxibustion, first moxa Dazhui, then Changqiang, cones equal to age. One method says treats body pain, chills/fever, wind-pain. One method says treats persistent epistaxis; moxa 20-30 cones to prevent recurrence.

*Qian Jin Fang* states: for intractable malaria, moxa Dazhui from before onset until onset time reaches 100 cones, invariably cured. Also states: for various烦热 (restless heat), seasonal warmth diseases, moxa Dazhui 100 cones, needle 3 fen to drain. Also treats shortness of breath/speechlessness, moxa according to age. Also treats neck goiter, moxa 100 cones, and 30 cones each at 1.5 cun lateral to Dazhui slightly downward.

*Yu Long Fu* states: Bailao stops spontaneous sweating.

*Shen Nong Jing* states: treats pediatric acute/chronic convulsions.

Master Dou treats various deficiency-chill/heat conditions by moxaing this point.

*Kuai Jie Fang Shi* states: treats heat not reaching shoulders.

Contemporary transmission uses this for hundred diseases.

Yamen (GV15) (also named Yin Men, She Yan, She Heng) is in the depression 5 fen inside the hairline at the back of the neck, accessed with head extended. Intersection of Governor Vessel and Yang Linking Vessel (Yang Wei Mai), entering to tie the tongue base. Needle 2 fen deep, do not needle deeply, contraindicated for moxibustion; moxibustion causes aphonia.

Indications: Stiff neck unable to speak, excess heat of all Yang, persistent epistaxis, stiff spine with opisthotonos, convulsions/epilepsy, wind-headache with no sweat, wind-spasm with chills/fever, stroke/shock coma, sudden death without consciousness.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Guanchong (SJ1), crucial for treating flaccid tongue and speechlessness.

Fengfu (GV16) (also named She Ben) is 1 cun inside the hairline at the nape, in the depression within the large tendons. Muscles rise immediately when speaking loudly, fall when silent. Intersection of Governor Vessel and Yang Linking Vessel. *Re Lun* states: Juyang belongs to all Yang, its meridian connects to Fengfu. Needle 3 fen deep, retain for three breaths, contraindicated for moxibustion; moxibustion causes aphonia.

Indications: Stroke with flaccid tongue, sudden aphonia, shivering chills with sweat, heavy body, hemiplegia, wind-cold headache/stiff neck unable to look back, vertigo/reversed gaze, epistaxis/sore throat, manic running/fear/fright/palpitations wanting suicide. One method says it drains chest heat, same as Dazhu (BL11), Quepen (ST12), Zhongfu (LU1).

*Xi Hong Fu* states: Find Fengfu and Fengchi, typhoid hundred diseases vanish instantly. Also: Yangming day two seek Fengfu. Also: Fengfu is hardest to find, requires effort to gauge depth; if Bladder Qi is not dispersed, seek Zusanli (ST36).

*Tong Xuan Fu* states: Wind injuring stiff neck, seek Fengfu.

One transmission treats cold-wind common cold, persistent vomiting.

*Qian Jin Fang* states: Evil disease sleeping unaware, Fengfu governs. Also Thirteen Ghost Points: named Guizhen, treats hundred evils/mania, needle at the 6th step.

Naohu (GV17) (also named Za Feng, Hui E, He Lu) is on the occipital bone, 1.5 cun posterior to Qiangjian. One method says 2 cun above hairline. Intersection of Governor Vessel and Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Contraindicated for needling and moxibustion; piercing Naohu enters brain causing instant death, cannot moxa, causes aphonia.

Qiangjian (GV18) (also named Da Yu) is 1.5 cun posterior to Houding. Needle 2 fen deep, moxa 5 cones. One method says contraindicated for moxibustion.

Indications: Headache and stiff neck, vertigo/spinning sensation, vexation/vomiting saliva/phlegm, manic running.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Fenglong (ST40), treats unbearable headache.

Houding (GV19) (also named Jiaochong) is 1.5 cun posterior to Baihui, on the occipital bone. Needle 2 fen deep, moxa 5 cones.

Indications: Stiff neck, frontal/head pain, migraine, aversion to wind, blurred vision.

Baihui (GV20) (also named Sanyang Wuhui, Diànshàng, Tianman) is 1.5 cun posterior to Qianding, at the center of the hair whorl on the vertex, size of a bean, directly opposite the tips of both ears. Intersection of Governor Vessel and Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian; Hand-Foot Shaoyang and Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridians all converge here. Needle 2 fen deep, moxa 5 cones. *Jia Yi Jing* states: needle 3 fen deep, moxa 3 cones. One method says moxa vertex, not exceeding 49 cones.

Indications: Wind-headache, deafness, nasal congestion/epistaxis, stroke with slurred speech, locked jaw, excessive weeping, hemiplegia, wind-epilepsy/syncope, opisthotonos, foaming, mental confusion, palpitations/forgetfulness, malaria, women's blood-wind, pre/post-natal wind diseases, pediatric wind-epilepsy/convulsions, chronic rectal prolapse. One method says treats all diseases. Needle 2 fen deep, drain upon obtaining Deqi. If moxa 100 cones, wait 3-5 days, then bleed around the perimeter with a three-edged needle, wash with well water to promote Qi circulation; otherwise fear fire Qi rising obstructing vision. One method says treats crying/laughing wanting death, cold limbs wanting to cease, warm body/mouth; needle Renzhong 3 fen, moxa Baihui 3 cones to revive.

*Shi Ji* records Bian Que treating Crown Prince of Guo's shock coma, needling Sanyang Wuhui to revive.

*Shen Nong Jing* states: for wind-headache, moxa 3 cones. Pediatric rectal prolapse, moxa 3-5 cones, cone size like wheat.

*Yu Long Fu* states: combined with Xinhui (GV22), treats sudden stroke.

*Ling Guang Fu* states: combined with Guiwei, treats dysentery.

*Xi Hong Fu* states: For long-standing pediatric rectal prolapse, first moxa Baihui then tailbone. Also: combined with Taichong (LR3), Zhaohai (KI6), Yinjiao (RN7), treats throat diseases.

Qianding (GV21) is in the bony depression 1.5 cun posterior to Xinhui. One method says 1 cun anterior to Baihui. Needle 2 fen deep, moxa 5 cones. One method says moxa 49 cones.

Indications: Wind-headache/vertigo, red/swollen face, pediatric fright-epilepsy convulsions, clear nasal discharge, swollen/painful neck.

*Shen Nong Jing* states: pediatric acute/chronic convulsions, moxa 3 cones, cone size like wheat.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Shuigou (GV26), treats facial edema/flabbiness.

Xinhui (GV22) is in the depression 1 cun posterior to Shangxing. Needle 2 fen deep, moxa 5 cones. One method says moxa 14-49 cones. Contraindicated for needling in children under eight because fontanelle is not closed; accidental puncture causes premature death.

Indications: Brain deficiency/cold pain, wind-headache/swelling, neck pain, excessive drinking/scalp swelling, wind-epilepsy/clear discharge. One method says treats vertigo/facial swelling, nasal congestion/anosmia, fright-epilepsy with eyes rolled up/coma, moxa 14-49 cones. Initial moxa is painless, becomes painful as disease leaves, stop if painful. For nasal congestion, subsides by day 4, cured by day 7. Needle 2 fen deep, retain 3 breaths, drain upon Deqi. For wind-headache with white dandruff/sleepiness, needling is excellent; after needling, mix salt powder with sesame oil, rub hair roots to permanently remove wind-headache.

*Shen Nong Jing* states: wind-headache pain, moxa 3 cones. Pediatric acute/chronic convulsions, moxa 3 cones, cone size like wheat.

*Qian Jin Fang* states: Evil/Ghost epilepsy, governs top of fontanelle, named Guimen.

*Yu Long Fu* states: combined with Baihui, treats sudden stroke.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: connect to Yuzhen (GB15), treats wind-headache.

Shangxing (GV23) (also named Shentang) is in the depression 1 cun inside the hairline, straight above the nose, size of a bean. Needle 3 fen deep, retain 6 breaths, moxa 5 cones. One method says use three-edged needle to bleed to drain heat of all Yang.

Indications: Wind-headache, scalp swelling, deficient face with aversion to cold, malaria/chills/no sweat, foul-smelling nasal blood/discharge, nasal congestion/anosmia, vertigo/eye pain, inability to see far. Puncture with fine three-edged needle to vent Yang heat, preventing upward rush to head/eyes.

*Qian Jin Fang* states: nasal polyps, moxa 200 cones. Also: combined with Dazhui (GV14), moxa malaria, 100 cones at onset, cone size like millet. Also treats ghosts, moxa 100 cones. Also Thirteen Ghost Points: named Guitang, governs hundred evils/mania, needle at 10th step.

*Yu Long Fu* states: treats wind-headache and sinusitis (Bi Yuan).

Shenting (GV24) is 5 fen inside the hairline, straight above the nose. For high hairline, the line is the point; for low hairline, add 2-3 fen. Intersection of Governor Vessel, Foot-Taiyang Bladder, and Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridians. Moxa 3 cones, contraindicated for needling; needling causes mania/blindness. One method says moxa 7-21 cones.

Indications: Mania climbing/walking wildly, wind-epilepsy/madness, opisthotonos, eyes rolling up/unrecognizing people, wind-headache/sinusitis, persistent runny nose, headache/tearing eyes, vexation/fullness/wheezing, palpitations/insomnia.

*Yu Long Fu* states: specifically manages wind-headache.

Suliao (GV25) (also named Mianwang) is at the tip of the nose. Needle 1 fen deep, contraindicated for moxibustion.

Indications: Nasal polyps not resolving, difficult breathing, excessive discharge, facial deviation/epistaxis. One method says treats alcohol-induced wind, bleed with three-edged needle.

Shuigou (GV26) (also named Renzhong) is in the depression of the philtrum below the nose. Intersection of Governor Vessel, Hand-Yangming Large Intestine, and Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridians. Needle 3 fen deep, retain 6 breaths, drain upon Deqi, moxa 3-7 cones, cone size like wheat; however, moxibustion is inferior to needling.

Indications: Stroke with locked jaw, evil strike/shock, unconsciousness, sudden epilepsy/fainting, diabetes/thirst, generalized edema from water qi, plague, facial deviation; all suitable for needling. For wind-water edema, needling this point drains water for instant cure. One method says for water edema, only needle this 3 fen, slowly withdraw to drain water; needling other points leads to death when water is drained.

*Shen Nong Jing* states: pediatric acute/chronic convulsions, moxa 3 cones, cone size like wheat.

*Yu Long Fu* states: combined with Quchi (LI11), treats paralysis/collapse. Also: combined with Weizhong (BL40), treats sudden lumbar/back pain. Also: combine with Daling (PC7) and frequently drain to eliminate bad breath.

*Xi Hong Fu* states: Renzhong treats epilepsy with highest merit, Thirteen Ghost Points need not be exceeded.

*Qian Jin Fang* states: This point is Guishi, treats hundred evils/mania, needle at the 1st step. For sudden evil attack, pinch below nose first. For ghost-strike sudden death, must moxa immediately.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: combined with Qianding (GV21), treats facial edema/flabbiness.

*Ling Guang Fu* states: Shuigou combined with Jianshi (PC5), treats evil epilepsy.

Duanduan (CV15) is at the end of the upper lip. *Jia Yi Jing* states: emergence of Hand-Yangming Qi. Needle 2 fen deep, retain 6 breaths, moxa 3 cones, cone size like barley.

Indications: Epilepsy with foaming, gingival pain, diabetes/epistaxis, locked jaw, foul-smelling mouth ulcers.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: for dark/scanty urination, Duanduan alone drains Taiyang Meridian.

Yinjiao (GV28) (Yin sounds like Yin, gum tissue) is in the inner upper gum cleft. Intersection of Conception Vessel and Governor Vessel. Needle 3 fen deep, reverse needle, moxa 3 cones.

Indications: Red face/vexation/pain, nasal polyps not resolving, forehead pain, stiff neck, excessive tearing/red eye pain, gum swelling/pain. Pediatric facial sores, chronic ringworm not clearing; cauterization is also good.

*Bai Zheng Fu* states: specifically treats nasal polyps (Bi Zhi).