GB-19 - Brain Hollow

脑空 - Nǎo kōng

Point Region: Head

GB

Gallbladder Meridian

足少阳胆经 - Zú Shàoyáng Dǎn Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the back of the head, level with the top edge of the bump at the back of the skull (the external occipital protuberance), directly above GB-20. It is level with GV-17 and BL-9.

How to Locate:

  1. Find GB-20 in the hollow below the skull at the back of the neck
  2. Go straight up to the level of the top of the bump at the back of the skull
  3. The point is there
GB-19 (Brain Hollow) acupressure point location: On the back of the head, level with the top edge of the bump at the back of the skull (the external occipital protuberance), directly above GB-20.

How to Apply Pressure

Find GB-20 at the skull base and trace upward to the level of the top of the back-of-skull bump. Apply gentle, steady pressure there with a fingertip. Keep it comfortable: firm but never painful, and never deep or unrelenting. Stop if it hurts. Avoid this point if you have severe head trauma, acute neurological conditions, cervical spine instability.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Occipital headache
  • Mental agitation
  • Sensory disturbances
  • Neck tension

Related Health Concerns

HeadacheFeeling FaintInsomniaAnxiety

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Severe head trauma
  • Acute neurological conditions
  • Cervical spine instability

Take care:

  • Use very gentle pressure on back of head
  • Avoid during severe headaches
  • Discontinue if neurological symptoms occur
  • Seek medical attention for persistent occipital pain