Qiangjian Point (GV-18 / Strong Interval, also known as Dayu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Qiangjian (GV-18 / Strong Interval). Learn its benefits for headache, dizziness, facial deviation, and epilepsy – the Governor Vessel point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache (occipital headache, frontal headache), dizziness, facial deviation, epilepsy, stiff painful neck, restlessness, insomnia, and manic disorders.
Precise Location
On the head, 4 cun directly above the posterior hairline. At the midpoint of the line connecting Baihui (GV-20) and Fengfu (GV-16).
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. On the posterior midline, measure 4 cun (approximately 5 finger-widths) upward from the posterior hairline – at the midpoint between Baihui and Fengfu.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Press and knead Qiangjian with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat dizziness and headache. Therapeutic actions: Revives the spirit and opens the orifices, calms the liver and extinguishes wind, clears the head and brightens the eyes, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Severe headache: Combine with Fenglong (ST-40). Facial deviation: Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Epilepsy and manic disorders: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40). Stiff painful neck: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Tianzhu (BL-10), and Houxi (SI-3). Dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It revives the spirit and opens the orifices, calms the liver and extinguishes wind, clears the head and brightens the eyes, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating headache, dizziness, and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Qiang" means stiff or rigid; "Jian" means interval or space. Located on the head, this point treats stiff neck and headache, relieving rigidity – hence the name Qiangjian (Strong Interval). It is also known as "Dayu."
