Acupuncture Meridian Pathways & Point Locations

Governing Vessel Meridian Pathway & Point Locations
The Governing Channel has 28 points

The Du channel starts midway between the tip of the coccyx bone and the anus with patient lying prone. It then flows upward inside the spinal column to the nape of the neck, and ascends to the vertex. Along the forehead, it descends to the nose bridge, then to the lips. Ending at the labial frenulum inside the upper lip.

GV1 Changqiang
Midway between the tip of the coccyx bone and the anus with patient lying prone.

GV2 Yaoshu
In the sacral hiatus.

GV3 Yaoyangguan
Below the spinous process of L4

GV4 Mingmen
Below the spinous process of L2

GV5 Xuanshu
Below the spinous process of L1

GV6 Jizhong
Below the spinous process of T11

GV7 Zhongshu
Below the spinous process of T10

GV8 Jinsuo
Below the spinous process of T9

GV9 Zhiyang
Below the spinous process of T7

GV10 Lingtai
Below the spinous process of T6

GV11 Shendao
Below the spinous process of T5

GV12 Shenzhu
Below the spinous process of T3

GV13 Taodao
Below the spinous process of T1

GV14 Dazhui
Below the spinous process of C7

GV15 Yamen
0.5 cun above the midpoint of the posterior hairline in a depression below the spinous process of C1

Spinal Hua Tuo Points
These classic points are located just half a cun, or human inch (the distance across the widest part of the patient's thumb) bilateral to Du Mai (GV) (midline over the vertebral spinous process) from T1 through L5. Classically there are 17 pairs of points (34 points total) attributed to Hua Tuo. Within the last 2,000 years, these points have extended both upward through the cervical spine and downward across the sacrum. The points in the cervical and sacrum are simply known as jia (lining) ji (spine).
From Spinal Hua Tuo Points

GV16 Fengfu
1 cun directly above the midpoint of the posterior hairline directly below the external occipital protruberance. In the depression between the trapezius muscles of both sides.

GV17 Naohu
Midway between GV16 and GV18, 1.5 cun above GV16

GV18 Qiangjian
Midway between GV16 and GV20, 1.5 cun above GV17

GV19 Houding
5.5 cun above the midpoint of the posterior hairline. Midway between GV18 and GV20, 1.5 cun above GV18

GV20 Baihui
7 cun above the midpoint of the posterior hairline, 5 cun above midpoint of anterior hairline, miway on a line connecting the apex of both ears.

GV21 Qianding
1.5 cun anterior to GV20. Midway between GV20 and GV22.

GV22 Xinhui
2 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, 3 cun anterior to GV20

GV23 Shangxing
1 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, 0.5 cun posterior to GV24

GV24 Shenting
0.5 cun above the midpoint of the anterior hairline.

GV25 Suliao
On tip of nose

GV26 Renzhong
At junction of the upper and middle third of philtrum.

GV27 Duiduan
At junction of upper lip and philtrum.

GV28 Yinjiao
At junction of gum and frenulum of upper lip.