GV 14 — Dà Zhuī (大椎) — Great Hammer

On this page

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

1. Overview

GV 14 — Dà Zhuī (大椎) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) meridian. Its English name, Great Hammer, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of 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 14 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

Below the spinous process of C7, on the posterior midline.

3. Actions

1. Clears Heat and reduces fever — the most important point for fever
2. Expels Wind and dispels Cold
3. Tonifies Yang and strengthens Wei Qi
4. Calms the Mind
5. Meeting point of all Yang meridians

4. Indications

1. Fever from any cause — the primary antipyretic point in acupuncture
2. Common cold and influenza
3. Neck stiffness and cervical spondylosis
4. Epilepsy and mania from Yang excess disturbing the Du Mai
5. Skin conditions — heat rash and urticaria
6. Immune deficiency and recurrent infections — tonifies Yang and Wei Qi

5. Needling

Slightly oblique superior insertion 0.5–1.0 cun. Do not needle deeply — the spinal cord lies below.

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 14 is the meeting point of all six Yang meridians plus the Du Mai — making it the most Yang point on the body and the primary point for all Yang-related disorders, particularly fever and febrile disease. Pricking to bleed or cupping at GV 14 is a classical technique for reducing fever and clearing Heat. It is also important for building Wei Qi and immune defence when combined with BL 13 (Feishu) and ST 36. In neck pain and cervical spondylosis, GV 14 is the primary local point at the cervicothoracic junction.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use GV 14 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Neck pain, Allergies. 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.