Fengfu Point (GV-16 / Wind Mansion, also known as Sheben, Xingxing, Guizhen, Guilin, Caoxi, Refu)
Dispels wind and extinguishes wind, revives the spirit and opens the orifices. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for headache, dizziness, cerebrovascular accidents, psychiatric disorders, facial paralysis, and cervical spondylosis.
Indications
Stroke, headache, chills with sweating, stiff painful neck, dizziness, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, and sore throat. (1) Calming the spirit: Manic-depressive disorders, hysteria, insomnia, dizziness. (2) External wind patterns: Colds, chills with fever, sore throat, red painful eyes, stiff painful head and neck. (3) Internal wind patterns: Stroke, headache, tinnitus, deafness. (4) Lower limb disorders: Hemiplegia, toe numbness.
Precise Location
In the posterior cervical region, directly below the external occipital protuberance, in the depression between the two trapezius muscles. Along the spine upward, 1 finger-width above the posterior hairline.
Location Method
Sit upright with the head slightly tilted forward and neck relaxed. On the posterior midline, measure 1 finger-width (approximately 1 cun) upward from the posterior hairline – that is the point.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Press and knead Fengfu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat neck pain, headache, and nasal congestion. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and extinguishes wind, revives the spirit and opens the orifices, calms the spirit and settles the mind.
Compatibility
Headache: Combine with Baihui (GV-20) and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Wind-cold cold: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Dazhui (GV-14), and Hegu (LI-4). Headache and dizziness: Combine with Baihui (GV-20) and Fengchi (GB-20). Opisthotonos, sinew tension, trismus: Combine with Baihui (GV-20), Yintang (EX-HN3), Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fengchi (GB-20). Manic-depressive disorders: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Hegu (LI-4), Shaoshang (LU-11), and Yinbai (SP-1). Stiff painful neck: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Tianzhu (BL-10), and Kunlun (BL-60). Post-stroke stiff tongue and aphasia: Combine with Lianquan (RN-23), Jinjin (EX-HN12), and Yuye (EX-HN13). Infantile convulsions: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Shuigou (GV-26), Taichong (LR-3), and Hegu (LI-4). Manic agitation and restlessness: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Taichong (LR-3), and Fenglong (ST-40).
Efficacy & Actions
Fengfu belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai) and is the meeting point of the Governor Vessel, the Yang Wei Vessel, and the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It extinguishes wind, revives the spirit and opens the orifices, and calms the spirit and settles the mind. It is a key point for treating internal and external wind patterns, with reducing technique commonly used. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Feng" refers to wind pathogens; "Fu" means mansion or dwelling. Located at the head and neck, where wind pathogens easily invade, and treating all wind disorders – hence the name Fengfu (Wind Mansion). It is also known as "Sheben," "Xingxing," "Guizhen," "Guilin," "Caoxi," and "Refu." (1) Effective Point for Colds and Wind-Cold: This point is where wind pathogens invade and lodge. If not properly protected, wind-cold invasion can cause colds. The Zhenjiu Zisheng Jing states: "Fengfu is where febrile diseases originate – the ancients always protected it." Those prone to colds should strengthen protection here. Needling induces sweating, releases the exterior, and disperses pathogens, often combined with Fengchi (GB-20), Hegu (LI-4), and Dazhui (GV-14). (2) Key Point for Facial Paralysis, Wind Headache, Neck Pain, and Dizziness: The Neijing states: "Those injured by wind are first affected in the upper body." Wind is a yang pathogen, light and ascending – only wind reaches the top of the head. Facial paralysis, wind headache, stiff neck with aversion to wind, dizziness, and other disorders are often caused by wind pathogen invasion. The Xingzhen Zhiyao Ge states: "For needling wind disorders, first needle Fengfu and Baihui." Ancient texts record its use for neck disorders: the Zhenjiu Jiayijing states: "It treats... chills with sweating, heaviness, cold aversion, headache, and stiff neck with inability to turn." The Great Compendium records: "Emperor Wu of Wei suffered from wind-induced neck stiffness – Hua Tuo needled this point with effect." The Tongxuan Zhiyao Fu states: "Wind-induced neck stiffness seeks Fengfu." (3) Common Point for Lower Limb Flaccidity/Bi-Syndrome: The Zhouhou Ge states: "For leg and foot disorders, seek Fengfu." The Zhenjiu Jiayijing records: "For numbness of the feet, needle Fengfu." Though belonging to the Governor Vessel, it also meets the Bladder Meridian, thus regulating Bladder qi and blood. As a key wind-dispelling point, according to "treat lower disorders from above," it effectively treats numbness and pain due to wind pathogens. (4) Key Point for Mental Disorders: Belonging to the Governor Vessel, which enters the brain, it calms the spirit, settles the mind, and revives the brain. It also dispels both internal and external wind, calming liver wind – used for manic-depressive disorders, hysteria, neurosis, coma, and shock.
Contraindications
The deep layer contains the medulla oblongata – deep needling is strictly prohibited. Generally needled 0.5–1 cun, with the needle tip directed toward the mandible, inserted slowly. If an electric shock sensation radiating to the limbs occurs, withdraw the needle immediately. Moxibustion is permissible but rarely used.
