Naohu Point (GV-17 / Brain Door, also known as Zafeng, Huie, Helu, Yangfeng, Huilu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Naohu (GV-17 / Brain Door). Learn its benefits for manic disorders, epilepsy, dizziness, headache, and eye disorders – the meeting point of Governor Vessel and Bladder – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Manic disorders, epilepsy, dizziness, heavy head sensation, headache (occipital headache, vertex headache), stiff painful neck, various eye disorders (red painful eyes, blurred vision, dizziness), insomnia, and forgetfulness.
Precise Location
On the head, in the depression at the superior border of the external occipital protuberance, on the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. On the posterior midline, in the depression at the superior border of the external occipital protuberance (the most prominent bony protrusion at the back of the head) – 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 Naohu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat dizziness, headache, and various eye disorders. 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
Manic disorders and epilepsy: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40). Dizziness and headache: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3). Stiff painful neck: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Tianzhu (BL-10), and Houxi (SI-3). Various eye disorders: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Fengchi (GB-20), and Guangming (GB-37). Insomnia and forgetfulness: Combine with Xinshu (BL-15) and Shenmen (HT-7).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai) and is the meeting point of the Governor Vessel and the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. 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 mental, head-neck, and eye disorders. First documented in Suwen · Cijin Lun. "Nao" refers to the brain and head; "Hu" means door or gateway. Located at the back of the head, this point serves as the gateway to the brain – hence the name Naohu (Brain Door). It is also known as "Zafeng," "Huie," "Helu," "Yangfeng," and "Huilu."
Contraindications
The deep layer contains the medulla oblongata – needling should not be too deep, generally horizontal insertion at 0.3–0.5 cun, to prevent brain tissue injury. Moxibustion is permissible but rarely used.
