DU16 Wind Mansion

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

DU16 (Fengfu, “Wind Mansion”) is the Window of Heaven point of the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the posterior midline of the neck, in the depression directly below the external occipital protuberance, 1 cun superior to the posterior hairline, between the trapezius muscles. It expels wind, clears the mind, benefits the head and neck, resolves speech impediments, treats disorders of the Governing Vessel.

Location

On the posterior midline of the neck, in the depression directly below the external occipital protuberance, 1 cun superior to the posterior hairline, between the trapezius muscles.

Needling

With the patient's head slightly flexed, needle inferiorly towards the chin, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep superior or supero-anterior insertion is strictly forbidden to avoid puncturing the cisterna magna.

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TCM functions

Expels wind, clears the mind, benefits the head and neck, resolves speech impediments, treats disorders of the Governing Vessel..

Indications

Headache, neck stiffness, inability to turn the head, dizziness, blurred vision, nosebleed, swollen and painful throat, mania, desire to commit suicide, seeing things that are not there, hemiplegia, flaccid tongue, inability to speak, shivering with fever and sweating, body heaviness, aversion to cold, epilepsy, convulsions, opisthotonos, jaundice (mahuang), all diseases of the head, wind-stroke, sequelae of febrile disease..

Window of Heaven

Clinical notes

Fengfu is a critical point for expelling both external and internal wind, making it essential for treating colds, flu, fever, headache, and stiff neck. As a 'Window of Heaven' point, it powerfully affects the brain and spirit, used for mania, epilepsy, and post-stroke sequelae like aphasia. Its location at the 'gateway' to the head explains its importance in preventing wind invasion, as noted in the Zi Sheng Jing's advice to keep the neck covered.

On the Governing Vessel channel

DU16 is one of 28 points on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

DU12DU13DU14DU15DU17DU18DU19DU20

Frequently asked questions

Where is DU16 located?

DU16 (Fengfu) is located on the posterior midline of the neck, in the depression directly below the external occipital protuberance, 1 cun superior to the posterior hairline, between the trapezius muscles.

What is DU16 used for?

DU16 expels wind, clears the mind, benefits the head and neck, resolves speech impediments, treats disorders of the Governing Vessel. Common clinical indications include headache, neck stiffness, inability to turn the head, dizziness, blurred vision, nosebleed, swollen and painful throat, mania, desire to commit suicide, seeing things that are not there, hemiplegia, flaccid tongue, inability to speak, shivering with fever and sweating, body heaviness, aversion to cold, epilepsy, convulsions, opisthotonos, jaundice (mahuang), all diseases of the head, wind-stroke, sequelae of febrile disease.

How is DU16 needled?

With the patient's head slightly flexed, needle inferiorly towards the chin, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep superior or supero-anterior insertion is strictly forbidden to avoid puncturing the cisterna magna. 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. Moxibustion is forbidden as it may cause loss of voice. Deep needling is dangerous; the Su Wen states that needling into the brain at Naohu (a nearby point) is fatal, and similar caution applies here due to proximity to the medulla oblongata. The Zi Sheng Jing notes that it is safer not to needle this point if unsure, despite some classics giving needling depths.

Which meridian is DU16 on?

DU16 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.