GV 9 — Zhì Yáng (至阳) — Reaching Yang
On this page
1. Overview
GV 9 — Zhì Yáng (至阳) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) meridian. Its English name, Reaching Yang, 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
Below the spinous process of T7, on the posterior midline.
3. Actions
- Clears Damp-Heat and treats jaundice — the most important point for jaundice
- Strengthens the Yang of the whole body
- Relaxes sinews and relieves back pain
- Regulates the Heart and treats chest pain
4. Indications
- Jaundice from Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat
- Chest pain and tightness from Heart Qi stagnation
- Thoracic back pain and stiffness
- Cough and asthma from Damp-Phlegm
- Gastric pain and fullness
5. Needling
Oblique superior insertion 0.5–1.0 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 9 is located at the T7 level where the diaphragm attaches and the Liver and Gallbladder Back-Shu points (BL 18, BL 19) are found. It is the most important point on the Du Mai for Damp-Heat conditions and jaundice. The combination GV 9 + BL 17 + BL 18 + BL 19 forms the core prescription for hepatic and biliary Damp-Heat.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GV 9 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Fatty liver, Back pain. 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.
