governing vessel meridian GV meridian governing vessel meridian graphic GV meridian graphic meridian governing vesselgoverning vessel channel governing vessel pathway acupuncture governing vessel

Governing Vessel Meridian Graphic

The Governing Vessel meridian graphic shows the pathway and acupuncture points along this traditional Chinese medicine energy channel.

Governing Vessel Meridian Graphic - TCM Energy Channel Pathway

Governing Vessel Meridian Acupuncture Points

Click on any point below to view detailed information about its location, actions, and clinical applications:

GV 1 GV 2 GV 3 GV 4 GV 5 GV 6 GV 7 GV 8 GV 9 GV 10 GV 11 GV 12 GV 13 GV 14 GV 15 GV 16 GV 17 GV 18 GV 19 GV 20 GV 21 GV 22 GV 23 GV 24 GV 25 GV 26 GV 27 GV 28
GV Meridian Student/Usage Information
  • Internal/External Pathways
    Arises from the lower abdomen and emerges from the perineum
    At GV 16 a branch enters the brain and another continues around the head
  • Measurements Needed
    Posterior Hairline -to- C7 (GV 14) = 3 cun
    Posterior Hairline -to- Anterior Hairline = 12 cun
    Anterior Hairline -to- Glabella = 3 cun
    Anterior Hairline -to- GV 20 = 5 cun
    Posterior Hairline -to- GV 20 = 7 cun
    Vertebral Landmarks
    Superior Angle of the Scapula = approx T2
    Spine of the Scapula = approx T3
    Inferior Angle of the Scapula = approx T7
    Posterior Iliac Crest = approx L4
  • Precautions - [all]
    GV 4 - No Moxa in males under 20 years old (Dr. So)
    GV 6 - No Moxa
    GV 15 - No Moxa, No Deep Needle
    GV 16 - No Moxa, No Deep Needle
    GV 25 thru GV 28 - No Moxa
  • Additional Helpful Information
  • The Governing Vessel Meridian has no points under the following vertebrae:
    Cervical: 2,3,4,5,6
    Thoracic: 2,4,8,12
    Lumbar: 3,5
  • Finding GV points on the head:
    First find GV 20
    For Posterior points find GV 16 (6 cun below)
    Split in half and you have GV 18
    Split each remaining half for GV 17 and GV 19 respectively
    For Anterior points
    GV 24 is .5 cun posterior to the hairline
    GV 23 is .5 cun posterior to GV 24
    GV 22 is 1 cun posterior to GV 23
    Midway between GV 22 and GV 20 is GV 21