DU16 Wind Palace

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

DU16 (Fengfu, “Wind Palace”) is the Window of the Sky point of the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the posterior midline, 1 cun directly superior to the midpoint of the posterior hairline, in the depression inferior to the external occipital protuberance. It expels wind, clears the head, calms the spirit.

Location

On the posterior midline, 1 cun directly superior to the midpoint of the posterior hairline, in the depression inferior to the external occipital protuberance.

Needling

Oblique insertion superiorly 0.5-1 cun. Caution for spinal cord.

⚠ Spinal cord deep to this point: oblique/limited depth; never deep perpendicular at the midline.

TCM functions

Expels wind, clears the head, calms the spirit.

Indications

Headache, neck rigidity, dizziness, blurred vision, epistaxis, sore throat, hemiplegia, aphasia, mental disorders, stroke.

Window of the SkyMeeting point of Du and Yangwei meridians

Clinical notes

DU16, another Window of the Sky point and a meeting point with the Yangwei meridian, is a primary point for expelling wind, whether exogenous or endogenous, affecting the head and neck. It is highly effective for wind-stroke, dizziness, headache, and neck stiffness. Its ability to calm the spirit makes it valuable for mental agitation and insomnia. It is empirically used with GB20 to powerfully dispel wind from the head.

On the Governing Vessel channel

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

Frequently asked questions

Where is DU16 located?

DU16 (Fengfu) is located on the posterior midline, 1 cun directly superior to the midpoint of the posterior hairline, in the depression inferior to the external occipital protuberance.

What is DU16 used for?

DU16 expels wind, clears the head, calms the spirit. Common clinical indications include headache, neck rigidity, dizziness, blurred vision, epistaxis, sore throat, hemiplegia, aphasia, mental disorders, stroke.

How is DU16 needled?

Oblique insertion superiorly 0.5-1 cun. Caution for spinal cord. Caution: ⚠ Spinal cord deep to this point: oblique/limited depth; never deep perpendicular at the midline.

Which meridian is DU16 on?

DU16 is a point on the Governing Vessel Meridian (Dū Mài).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ 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.