DU13 (Taodao, “Taodao”) is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). This is one vertebral level inferior to DU14 (Dazhui). It clears heat and releases the exterior, expels wind, calms convulsions, and pacifies the spirit.
On the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). This is one vertebral level inferior to DU14 (Dazhui).
Slightly superior oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion toward the spinal canal is contraindicated.
Clears heat and releases the exterior, expels wind, calms convulsions, and pacifies the spirit.
Malarial disorders with alternating fever and chills, shivering, stiff and rigid spine, headache, heavy head, blurred vision, cold limbs, absence of sweating, convulsions, vexation and fullness, mental confusion, sadness, wind-stroke, aversion to cold, fever, seasonal febrile disease,consumptive disease, five taxations and seven damages.
Taodao is a significant point for treating febrile diseases, particularly those involving alternating fever and chills, such as malaria. Its location just below DU14, the great meeting point of all yang channels, makes it effective for clearing heat from the entire body and releasing the exterior. It is also used for stiffness along the spine and for wind-related conditions like convulsions and headache, reflecting its role in regulating the Du Mai.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《黃帝明堂灸經》 Huángdì Míngtáng Jiǔjīng — The Yellow Emperor's Bright Hall Moxibustion Classic, Tang · 卷中 · 揹人形第五 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
陶道 一穴，在項大椎節下間，俯而取之陷者中，灸五壯。 主頭目眩重，痎瘧寒熱灑淅矣According to this text, DU13 lies in the hollow below the large vertebra of the neck, located bending forward, and receives 5 moxa cones; it records use for dizziness with heavy head and eyes, and malaria with chills and fever and shivering.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷03 · Source: Wikisource ↗
陶道，在大椎節下間，督脈、足太陽之會，俯而取之，刺入五分，留五呼，灸五壯According to this text, DU13 lies between the segments below the large vertebra, a meeting point of the governor vessel and foot taiyang, located bending forward; needling is 0.5 cun retained for five breaths, with 5 moxa cones.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 背自第一椎循督脈行至脊骶凡十三穴第七 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
陶道一穴，主痎瘧，寒熱灑淅，脊強煩滿，汗不出，頭重目瞑，瘛瘲，恍惚不樂The text records that DU13 was used for malaria with chills, fever and shivering, stiff spine with vexation and fullness, absence of sweating, heavy head with dim eyes, convulsions, and absent-minded unhappiness.
DU13 is one of 28 points on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
DU13 (Taodao) is located on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). This is one vertebral level inferior to DU14 (Dazhui).
DU13 clears heat and releases the exterior, expels wind, calms convulsions, and pacifies the spirit. Common clinical indications include malarial disorders with alternating fever and chills, shivering, stiff and rigid spine, headache, heavy head, blurred vision, cold limbs, absence of sweating, convulsions, vexation and fullness, mental confusion, sadness, wind-stroke, aversion to cold, fever, seasonal febrile disease,consumptive disease, five taxations and seven damages.
Slightly superior oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion toward the spinal canal is contraindicated.
DU13 is a point on the Governing Vessel Meridian (Dū Mài).