GV-17 - Brain's Door

脑户 - Nǎo hù

Point Region: Head (back)

GV

Governing Vessel

督脉 - Dū mài

GV-17, or 'Naohu' (meaning 'Brain's Door'), is a local point located on the back of the head. Its name refers to its position as a 'door' to the 'brain,' where it can be used to address issues related to the mind and the nervous system.

As a local point, Naohu is primarily used for issues related to the head and neck, such as a headache, dizziness, and a sense of 'stuckness' in the head. It is a go-to point for 'calming' the mind and 'clearing' emotional blockages in the head. By stimulating this point, you can help to restore a sense of peace and tranquility to the mind and body.

Naohu acts as a vital access point to the core of the body, providing a direct and effective way to address blockages and restore a sense of comfort and vitality to the upper body. It's a reminder of the power of local points to provide targeted relief and restore a sense of comfort and vitality to the entire body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the posterior midline, 1.5 cun superior to the external occipital protuberance.

How to Locate:

  1. Sit upright and locate GV-16 at the skull base
  2. Move up about 1.5 finger widths (cun) along the back of the head
  3. Feel for a slight depression on the skull
  4. This is GV-17, on the lower back portion of the head
Location illustration for On the posterior midline, 1.5 cun superior to the external occipital protuberance.

Primary Functions

Nervous System

  • Enhances brain function and intelligence
  • Improves memory and cognitive abilities
  • Calms the mind and reduces mental agitation

Eye & Vision System

  • Improves vision and eye function
  • Relieves eye strain and fatigue
  • Treats visual disturbances

Emotional & Mental

  • Reduces anxiety and mental stress
  • Improves emotional stability
  • Enhances mental clarity

Musculoskeletal System

  • Relieves occipital headaches
  • Strengthens neck and head region

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Headache
  • Epilepsy
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Mental disorders
  • Blurred vision
  • Neck stiffness
  • Amnesia

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

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GV-17 Protocols

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