GV 15 — Yǎ Mén (哑门) — Gate of Muteness
On this page
1. Overview
GV 15 — Yǎ Mén (哑门) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) meridian. Its English name, Gate of Muteness, 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
0.5 cun within the posterior hairline, in the depression below the spinous process of C1.
3. Actions
- Benefits the tongue and speech — the primary Du Mai point for speech disorders
- Opens the orifices and calms the Mind
- Expels Wind from the Du Mai
- Clears the brain
4. Indications
- Post-stroke aphasia — primary point for restoring speech
- Sudden loss of voice (aphonia)
- Stiff tongue and difficulty swallowing
- Occipital headache and neck stiffness
- Epilepsy and mania
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–0.8 cun only. Never angle superiorly or deeply — the medulla oblongata and spinal cord lie directly above.
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 15 is the meeting point of the Du Mai with the Yang Wei Mai. Its name — Gate of Muteness — reflects its primary action of restoring speech. Combined with CV 23 and HT 5 it forms the key prescription for post-stroke aphasia. Needling requires extreme care — the medulla oblongata lies directly above and deep or superiorly angled insertion is potentially fatal.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GV 15 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Neck pain, Headaches. 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.
