GV 17 — Nǎo Hù (脑户) — Brain Door

On this page

Overview
Location
Actions
Indications
Needling
Clinical notes
Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

GV 17 — Nǎo Hù (脑户) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai). Its English name, Brain Door, 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 17 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

At the back of the head on the midline, 1.5 cun directly above GV-16 Fengfu, in the depression directly superior to the external occipital protuberance.

3. Actions

Eliminates Wind
Alleviates pain
Benefits the eyes
Benefits the brain
Clears the mind
Calms the Shen

4. Indications

Heaviness of the head
Head Wind
Aversion to wind in the head
Wind dizziness
Swelling and pain of the head
Pain of the face
Red face
Stiffness and pain of the neck
Goiter

5. Needling

Transverse insertion superiorly or inferiorly 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 17 Nǎo Hù (Brain Door) is classified as: Meeting point with the Urinary Bladder channel. These classifications inform how the point is used in clinical practice. The point is typically combined with other channel points to form a balanced prescription based on the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use GV 17 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Insomnia, Headache, Tinnitus. 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.