DU17 Naohu

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

DU17 (Naohu, “Naohu”) is the Meeting point of Du and Bladder meridians point of the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the posterior midline of the head, 1.5 cun superior to Qiangjian (DU18) and 2.5 cun superior to the external occipital protuberance, in a depression on the superior border of the protuberance. It calms the spirit, clears the mind, alleviates pain, and benefits the eyes and neck.

Location

On the posterior midline of the head, 1.5 cun superior to Qiangjian (DU18) and 2.5 cun superior to the external occipital protuberance, in a depression on the superior border of the protuberance.

Needling

Subcutaneous insertion, 0.3 to 0.5 cun. Deep insertion is strictly contraindicated due to the location over the cisterna magna.

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TCM functions

Calms the spirit, clears the mind, alleviates pain, and benefits the eyes and neck..

Indications

Headache, head heaviness, head and neck pain, pain extending to the vertex, dizziness, eye pain, yellow eyes, facial pain, goiter, epilepsy, madness, convulsions, stiff neck, inability to turn the head, aversion to cold, fever..

Meeting point of Du and Bladder meridians

Clinical notes

Naohu is a powerful point for conditions affecting the brain and spirit, such as epilepsy, mania, and severe headache, particularly in the occipital region. Its location at the 'Door of the Brain' and its meeting with the Bladder channel make it effective for wind-related disorders and pain along the entire posterior midline. However, due to the extreme cautions in classical texts regarding its potential dangers, it is used with great care in modern practice, typically with shallow, subcutaneous needling.

On the Governing Vessel channel

DU17 is one of 28 points on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

DU13DU14DU15DU16DU18DU19DU20DU21

Frequently asked questions

Where is DU17 located?

DU17 (Naohu) is located on the posterior midline of the head, 1.5 cun superior to Qiangjian (DU18) and 2.5 cun superior to the external occipital protuberance, in a depression on the superior border of the protuberance.

What is DU17 used for?

DU17 calms the spirit, clears the mind, alleviates pain, and benefits the eyes and neck. Common clinical indications include headache, head heaviness, head and neck pain, pain extending to the vertex, dizziness, eye pain, yellow eyes, facial pain, goiter, epilepsy, madness, convulsions, stiff neck, inability to turn the head, aversion to cold, fever.

How is DU17 needled?

Subcutaneous insertion, 0.3 to 0.5 cun. Deep insertion is strictly contraindicated due to the location over the cisterna magna. Caution: The classics contain severe warnings against needling and moxibustion. The Suwen and Jia Yi Jing state that deep needling entering the brain is fatal. Several sources warn that needling or moxibustion can cause muteness or loss of voice. The Zi Sheng Jing warns that even moxibustion should not be performed recklessly as it can shorten one's life.

Which meridian is DU17 on?

DU17 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.