Du14

大椎 · Dazhui

Great Vertebra

The big vertebra at the base of the neck.

Meeting of the yang channels

Use caution

System

Channel: Du (Du)
Element: Not one of the five
Yin or yang: yang
Organ system: Sea of yang
Region: Neck
Limb rule: Posterior midline

Open the Du page

Where it is

On the midline, in the big hollow just below the most prominent vertebra at the base of the neck. Flex the head slightly and the bone stands out; the point is below it.

Nearby: Spinal column. Dingchuan sits half a thumb-width to each side. Do not press hard on the bone or between vertebrae.

Traditionally said to

A meeting of the yang channels in classical charts. Taught for surface heat, a stiff nape, and “clearing heat” at the start of a cold. Not a way to break a dangerous fever.

What people look up

Immunity and colds Local muscle tension Headache

Acupressure

Mild finger pressure in the hollow below the bone, 30–45 seconds, head slightly flexed.

When not to press: High fever, neck stiffness with headache and light sensitivity, or an injury: medical care.

About 30–90 seconds is the usual window, unless the step above is shorter. Stop if pain, dizziness, or anything unusual shows up.

Licensed practice only

Needle depth, angle, electroacupuncture

Textbook language for students. Not instructions. A cun is a body-inch on that person, not a ruler inch. Do not needle yourself.

Depth

Often 0.5–1 cun, slightly upward. The spinal canal is the reason this stays a clinic point. Confirm the angle.

Angle

Slightly upward, midline, below the spinous process of C7.

Electroacupuncture

Introductory charts rarely assign a standard electroacupuncture setting here. Clinics that use current choose frequency and intensity for that person. No milliamp figure is given, because copying one would be misleading.