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GV-17 Naohu (腦戶) — Brain Door
Depth
00.5–1 cun3.0
Transverse insertion
Precautions
Traditionally contraindicated for moxibustion.
Location (classical)
On the posterior part of the head, on the posterior midline, 1.5 cun directly superior to GV-16, in the depression superior to the external occipital protuberance.
How to find it (practical)
Seated or in prone decubitus, locate the point at the upper border of the external protuberance, on the posterior midline.
Anatomy
Epicranial aponeurosis. Innervated by the greater occipital nerve.
Needling
Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, 0.5–1.0 cun.
Etymology
Nao (腦), brain; Hu (戶), door. The Du Mai runs an ascending course along the vertebral column and penetrates the brain. The point is like a door in the occipital region for the Qi of the Du Mai to enter the brain.
CLASSICAL SOURCESu Wen
Clinical Relations
Adjacent Points on the Meridian