GV-21 - Before the Crown

前顶 - Qián dǐng

Point Region: Head

GV

Governing Vessel

督脉 - Dū mài

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the head, on the midline, 3.5 cun behind the front hairline, midway between GV-20 and GV-22.

Distances are in cun, a unit that scales with each person's body. As a guide, the width of your thumb at its joint is 1 cun, and your four fingers held together, measured across the middle joints, are 3 cun.

How to Locate:

  1. Find GV-20 on the top of the head and GV-22, two thumb-widths behind the front hairline
  2. The point is on the midline, halfway between them
GV-21 (Before the Crown) acupressure point location: On the head, on the midline, 3.5 cun behind the front hairline, midway between GV-20 and GV-22.

How to Apply Pressure

Once you have identified GV-21, rest a fingertip lightly on it—no forceful rubbing or digging. Avoid it after head trauma or during an acute mental health crisis, and stop if you feel dizzy or symptoms worsen.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Insomnia
  • Mental disorders
  • Vertex headache
  • Poor concentration

Related Health Concerns

HeadacheFeeling FaintInsomnia

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 mental disorders

Take care:

  • Use gentle pressure only
  • Avoid during acute headache episodes
  • Monitor for dizziness