Location

on the midline at the base of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra

Needling

perpendicular/ upwards insertion 0.5 to 1.0 inch

moxa is OK

Actions

Expels wind and supports the exterior
Clears heat

Signs and Symptoms

neck pain/rigidity, malaria, febrile diseases, epilepsy, cough, asthma, common cold, back stiffness.

Commentary

According to generally accepted TCM theory a pathogenic factor will only attack a body that is already weak, or Yang deficient. Dazhui has not only the capability of expelling invading pathogenic factors but of also fortifying the Yang of the body in so doing.

When a body is invaded by a pathogenic factor, this is called 'invasion of Wind in TCM. Wind can also carry with it Cold, Heat, & Dampness into the body. In modern terms this is colds, flu and other such ambient infections.

Dazhui is the meeting point of the Du channel, which is Yang in nature, with all six of the other Yang channels. the Du channel, otherwise known as the Governing Vessel, is known as the 'sea of Yang' channels.

In this sense, then, it is extremely powerful in fortifying the Yang of the body as well as fending off ambient infections.

Dazhui is a point of choice to treat any kind of invasion of pathogenic factors (colds, flus,etc.), as well as any condition that includes sweating among its symptoms, whether from excess or deficiency.

As well, Dazhui is ideally suited to treat exhaustion and lack of strength in the whole body due to any deficiency condition, again because of its ability to fortify Yang.

Due to its ability to restrain Wind, Dazhui is suited to treat Epilepsy and Acute Childhood Fright and other manifestations of internal Wind.

Dazhui is useful in the treatment of 'painful obstruction syndrome' anywhere in the body, but specifically in the neck area and when pain radiates to the shoulder.

Finally, Dazhui is indicated for the treatment of nosebleed that will not stop. The Du Channel, runs over the head, continuing down through the midline of the nose to end inside the upper lip.