Naokong Point (GB-19 / Brain Hollow, also known as Nieru)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Naokong (GB-19 / Brain Hollow). Learn its benefits for headache, dizziness, epilepsy, and palpitations – the meeting point of Gallbladder and Yang Wei – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache (migraine, occipital headache), dizziness, epilepsy, palpitations with fright, stiff painful neck, eye pain, nasal congestion, and tinnitus.
Precise Location
On the head, level with the superior border of the external occipital protuberance (the highest bony prominence at the back of the head), directly above Fengchi (GB-20). The point is in the depression 3 finger-widths lateral to the superior border of the occipital protuberance.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. Locate the external occipital protuberance (the most prominent bony point on the midline at the back of the head) – the point is in the depression 3 finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) lateral to its superior border, directly above Fengchi (GB-20), where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Naokong with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat headache and dizziness. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and clears heat, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, clears the head and brightens the eyes, and calms the heart and settles the spirit.
Compatibility
Stiff painful neck: Combine with Xuanzhong (GB-39) and Houxi (SI-3). Headache and dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3). Epilepsy: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40). Palpitations with fright: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7) and Xinshu (BL-15). Eye pain and nasal congestion: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Yingxiang (LI-20), and Fengchi (GB-20). Tinnitus: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19) and Yifeng (TE-17).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang Wei Vessel. It dispels wind and clears heat, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, clears the head and brightens the eyes, and calms the heart and settles the spirit. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, neck, and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Nao" refers to the brain and head; "Kong" means hollow or opening. Located at the back of the head, this point communicates with the brain and treats brain disorders – hence the name Naokong (Brain Hollow). It is also known as "Nieru."
