GV-10 - Spirit Tower

灵台 - Líng tái

Point Region: Upper back

GV

Governing Vessel

督脉 - Dū mài

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the back, on the midline, in the hollow below the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).

How to Locate:

  1. Find T7, the spinal bump level with the lower tips of the shoulder blades (standing, arms by your sides)
  2. Count one bump up to T6
  3. The point is in the hollow just below it
GV-10 (Spirit Tower) acupressure point location: On the back, on the midline, in the hollow below the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).

How to Apply Pressure

After you locate GV-10, keep any touch light and comfortable; do not use pressure to address chest pain, a heart problem, or difficulty breathing. Those symptoms need prompt medical attention, and severe breathing trouble is an emergency.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Cough
  • Back pain
  • Agitation
  • Palpitations
  • Anxiety
  • Chest tightness

Related Health Concerns

Cold and Flu OnsetAnxietyPanic Attack

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Acute cardiac conditions
  • Severe respiratory distress

Take care:

  • Avoid during acute asthma attacks
  • Seek immediate medical attention for chest pain or severe breathing difficulties
  • Use gentle pressure for heart-related conditions