GV 1 — Cháng Qiáng (长强) — Long Strong

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

GV 1 — Cháng Qiáng (长强) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) meridian. Its English name, Long Strong, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

Midway between the tip of the coccyx and the anus.

3. Actions

1. Calms the Mind and treats epilepsy and mania via the Du Mai
2. Treats haemorrhoids, prolapse and rectal disorders
3. Strengthens the lumbar spine and sacrum
4. Meeting point of the Du Mai, Ren Mai and Chong Mai at the perineum

4. Indications

1. Haemorrhoids — the primary local point
2. Rectal prolapse and anal fissure
3. Epilepsy and mania — the starting point of the Du Mai
4. Coccygeal and sacral pain
5. Diarrhoea and dysentery

5. Needling

Oblique superior insertion 0.8–1.0 cun, directed towards the sacrum. The patient is in the knee-chest or lateral recumbent position.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.

6. Clinical notes

GV 1 is the origin point of the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) and the meeting point of the Du Mai, Ren Mai and Chong Mai — the three most important extraordinary vessels. It is the classical primary point for haemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. Needling requires a specific oblique superior direction towards the sacrum — perpendicular needling risks the rectum.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use GV 1 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Back pain. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.