GV 11 — Shén Dào (神道) — Spirit Pathway
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1. Overview
GV 11 — Shén Dào (神道) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai). Its English name, Spirit Pathway, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used in acupuncture practice as part of channel-balancing prescriptions 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. I use GV 11 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Located inferior to the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra, on the posterior midline (five intervertebral spaces below C7).
3. Actions
- Regulates the Heart
- Calms the Shen
- Relaxes the chest
- Tonifies the Heart and Lungs
- Clears Heat
- Pacifies Wind
4. Indications
- Asthma
- Cough
- Chest and hypochondriac pain
- Anxiety and palpitations due to fear
- Neurasthenia
- Aphasia due to windstroke
- Forgetfulness
- Insomnia
- Sadness
5. Needling
Puncture obliquely upward 0.5 to 1 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
GV 11 Shén Dào (Spirit Pathway) is used as part of channel-balancing prescriptions tailored to the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GV 11 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Asthma, Cough, Anxiety, Insomnia, Headache. 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.
