DU15 Yamen

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

DU15 (Yamen, “Yamen”) is the Window of Heaven point of the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the posterior midline of the neck, in the depression 0.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline, located between the spinous processes of the first and second cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2). The point is found with the patient's head tilted back. It restores the voice and benefits the tongue, extinguishes internal wind and calms spasms, clears heat and opens the orifices.

Location

On the posterior midline of the neck, in the depression 0.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline, located between the spinous processes of the first and second cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2). The point is found with the patient's head tilted back.

Needling

With the patient's head flexed forward, needle perpendicularly or slightly inferiorly to a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep needling toward the medulla oblongata is strictly forbidden.

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TCM functions

Restores the voice and benefits the tongue, extinguishes internal wind and calms spasms, clears heat and opens the orifices..

Indications

Inability to speak, sudden loss of voice, tongue stiffness with difficulty speaking, flaccid tongue with inability to speak, stiff neck, head and brain pain, headache, head heaviness, nosebleed due to exuberant yang heat, alternating chills and fever, convulsions, epilepsy, opisthotonos, wind-stroke..

Window of HeavenGhost point

Clinical notes

Yamen is a critical point for treating sudden loss of voice and severe speech impediments, particularly those arising from wind-stroke or other acute conditions affecting the tongue's function. Its ability to extinguish wind also makes it a key point for convulsions, epilepsy, and opisthotonos. Due to its location, extreme caution must be exercised during needling to avoid the spinal cord.

On the Governing Vessel channel

DU15 is one of 28 points on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

DU11DU12DU13DU14DU16DU17DU18DU19

Frequently asked questions

Where is DU15 located?

DU15 (Yamen) is located on the posterior midline of the neck, in the depression 0.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline, located between the spinous processes of the first and second cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2). The point is found with the patient's head tilted back.

What is DU15 used for?

DU15 restores the voice and benefits the tongue, extinguishes internal wind and calms spasms, clears heat and opens the orifices. Common clinical indications include inability to speak, sudden loss of voice, tongue stiffness with difficulty speaking, flaccid tongue with inability to speak, stiff neck, head and brain pain, headache, head heaviness, nosebleed due to exuberant yang heat, alternating chills and fever, convulsions, epilepsy, opisthotonos, wind-stroke.

How is DU15 needled?

With the patient's head flexed forward, needle perpendicularly or slightly inferiorly to a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep needling toward the medulla oblongata is strictly forbidden. Caution: Close to the brainstem/spinal cord — never needle deeply or angle superomedially; direct the needle as standard (e.g. toward the opposite eye for GB20). Deep insertion can be fatal. Classical sources repeatedly state that moxibustion is forbidden as it will cause the patient to become mute. Deep needling is also warned against. Modern anatomy confirms that deep or superiorly angled needling risks puncturing the medulla oblongata, which can be fatal.

Which meridian is DU15 on?

DU15 is a point on the Governing Vessel Meridian (Dū Mài).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.