GV19 Houding

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

GV19 (Houding, “Houding”) is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel Meridian. It is located on the posterior midline of the head, 1.5 cun directly posterior to GV20 (Baihui) and 5.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline. It dispels wind, calms the spirit, and pacifies convulsions.

Location

On the posterior midline of the head, 1.5 cun directly posterior to GV20 (Baihui) and 5.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline.

Needling

Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Dispels wind, calms the spirit, and pacifies convulsions.

Indications

Headache, vertigo, dizziness, neck pain, stiffness of the neck, aversion to wind and cold, epilepsy, convulsions, mania, manic running, inability to sleep, vexation in the heart, migratory joint pain (Li Jie Feng) with sweating, partial headache, pain in the forehead and skull.

Clinical notes

GV19 is a key point for addressing internal wind affecting the head and mind, particularly for conditions like epilepsy, mania, and severe dizziness. Its location posterior to the vertex makes it effective for calming the spirit and pacifying convulsions, especially when combined with other points for epilepsy like GV18 (Qiangjian). It is also used for wind-related headaches and vertigo, often when there is a sensation of things spinning or a feeling of being off-balance.

In the classical sources

Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.

《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 頭直鼻中入髮際一寸循督脈卻行至風府凡八穴第二 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗

後頂一穴,主頭項強急,惡寒,風眩

The text records that GV19 was used for stiff, tense head and neck, aversion to cold, and wind dizziness.

《黃帝明堂灸經》 Huángdì Míngtáng Jiǔjīng — The Yellow Emperor's Bright Hall Moxibustion Classic, Tang · 卷中 · 揹人形第九 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗

後頂 一穴,在百會後一寸五分,玉枕骨上陷者中。 灸三壯。 主目不明,惡風寒,頭目眩重

According to this text, GV19 lies 1.5 cun behind GV20, in the hollow above the occipital bone, and receives 3 moxa cones; it records use for unclear vision, aversion to wind and cold, and dizziness with heavy head and eyes.

《醫學綱目·刺灸》 Yīxué Gāngmù · Cìjiǔ — Outline of Medicine: Needling and Moxibustion, Lou Ying, 1565 · 卷之八·陰陽臟腑部 · 穴法下 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗

後頂一穴,在百會後一寸五分枕骨上,督脈氣所發。 可灸五壯,針入四分

According to this text, GV19 lies 1.5 cun behind GV20 on the occipital bone, where the qi of the governor vessel emerges; it may receive 5 moxa cones and needle insertion is 0.4 cun.

On the Governing Vessel channel

GV19 is one of 28 points on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is GV19 located?

GV19 (Houding) is located on the posterior midline of the head, 1.5 cun directly posterior to GV20 (Baihui) and 5.5 cun superior to the posterior hairline.

What is GV19 used for?

GV19 dispels wind, calms the spirit, and pacifies convulsions. Common clinical indications include headache, vertigo, dizziness, neck pain, stiffness of the neck, aversion to wind and cold, epilepsy, convulsions, mania, manic running, inability to sleep, vexation in the heart, migratory joint pain (Li Jie Feng) with sweating, partial headache, pain in the forehead and skull.

How is GV19 needled?

Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

Which meridian is GV19 on?

GV19 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.