GV-26 - Man's Middle

人中 - Rén zhōng

Point Region: Face

GV

Governing Vessel

督脉 - Dū mài

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the face, at the midpoint of the vertical groove between the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum). WHO also gives an alternative location, one third of the way down the groove from the nose.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the vertical groove between your nose and upper lip
  2. The point is at its midpoint
GV-26 (Man's Middle) acupressure point location: On the face, at the midpoint of the vertical groove between the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum).

How to Apply Pressure

Once GV-26 is located, use only a light touch on intact skin; avoid the area with facial injury or an active lip infection. This is not a way to treat fainting or an emergency—if someone is unresponsive, call your local emergency number.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Acute lumbar sprain
  • Mental disorders

Related Health Concerns

Feeling FaintDental Pain

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Severe mental illness
  • Facial injuries
  • Lip infections

Take care:

  • Emergency point - use only when necessary
  • Avoid excessive stimulation
  • If someone faints and does not respond, call your local emergency number
  • Use gentle pressure for non-emergency applications