GV 23 — Shàng Xīng (上星) — Upper Star
On this page
1. Overview
GV 23 — Shàng Xīng (上星) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) meridian. Its English name, Upper Star, 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
1 cun within the anterior hairline on the midline.
3. Actions
- Clears Heat from the head and nose — primary point for nasal disorders
- Expels Wind and relieves headache
- Calms the Mind
- Benefits the eyes
4. Indications
- Nasal congestion, rhinitis and sinusitis — the most important Du Mai point for nasal conditions
- Frontal headache from Heat
- Nosebleed (epistaxis) from Heat
- Eye redness and pain
- Mania from Heat disturbing the Mind
5. Needling
Transverse insertion 0.5–0.8 cun.
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 23 is the most important point on the Du Mai for nasal disorders. Combined with LI 20 and LI 4 it forms the standard prescription for nasal congestion, rhinitis and sinusitis. Combined with BL 2 and Yintang it addresses frontal headache. In modern practice it is also used for hay fever and allergic rhinitis alongside LI 4, LI 11 and ST 36.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GV 23 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Allergies, 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.
