Shangxing Point (GV-23 / Upper Star, also known as Shentang, Mingtang, Guitang)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shangxing (GV-23 / Upper Star). Learn its benefits for headache, dizziness, red eyes, and nosebleeds – the Governor Vessel point for clearing the head – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache (frontal headache), dizziness, red painful eyes, epistaxis (nosebleed), nasal pain, sinusitis, nasal congestion, febrile diseases, and malaria.
Precise Location
On the head, 1 cun directly above the anterior hairline on the midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. On the anterior midline, measure 1 finger-width (approximately 1 cun) upward from the anterior hairline – that is the point.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Scraping therapy: Scrape from front to back. Press and knead Shangxing with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat headache, sinusitis, and eye disorders. Therapeutic actions: Clears the head and brightens the eyes, disperses wind and unblocks the collaterals, unblocks the nasal orifices, and clears heat and stops bleeding.
Compatibility
Epistaxis and rhinitis: Combine with Yingxiang (LI-20), Suliao (GV-25), and Hegu (LI-4). Headache: Combine with Baihui (GV-20) and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Red painful eyes: Combine with Jingming (BL-1) and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Sinusitis and nasal congestion: Combine with Yintang (EX-HN3) and Yingxiang (LI-20). Febrile diseases and malaria: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14) and Quchi (LI-11). Dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Taichong (LR-3).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It clears the head and brightens the eyes, disperses wind and unblocks the collaterals, unblocks the nasal orifices, and clears heat and stops bleeding. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and nasal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shang" means upper; "Xing" means star. Located on the head, 1 cun above the anterior hairline, high like a star – hence the name Shangxing (Upper Star). It is also known as "Shentang," "Mingtang," and "Guitang."
