頭竅陰 (Tóuqiàoyīn) — Head Yin Portal
Gallbladder channel · point 11
Traditionally used for
- Headaches
- Eye health
- Ears & hearing
- Pain & joints
Location
On the head, posterior and superior to the mastoid process, on the curved line connecting GB9 and GB12, at the junction of its middle and lower thirds.
How to locate: On the same curved line from GB9 to GB12 behind the ear, divided into thirds, the point is at the lower third mark, usually about level with the root of the helix, where a slight dip in the bone can often be felt.
Distances are in cun, a proportional unit — how to measure.
3D view
3D view not available for this point: its position can't be carried onto the 3D model reliably (it failed a placement check). The 2D maps above show it.
Needling
Cited needling
-
Transverse insertionDepth 0.5–1.5 cunskindeeper
Within the hairline: see the needling note at Hanyan GB4.
Depths describe average adult habitus in the cited population, never a single safe number for the patient in front of you. Palpate and adjust.
Sources (1)
- Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. Hove: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications; 1998 — p. 430 Supports: techniques (names this point)
Site notes · not cited
Functions
- Benefits the ears and eyes
- Expels wind and damp-heat and relieves headache
- Moves Liver qi and blood
Indications
Sources
- World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region. Manila: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, 2008. (Location.)
- Focks C, ed. Atlas of Acupuncture. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2008. (Locating method and actions.)
📝 Notes
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