What is This Acupoint Used For?
The primary functions of GV14 are to clear heat (reduce fever) and release the exterior (dispel external pathogenic factors like colds and flus). It is also traditionally used to manage malaria and epilepsy. Stimulating this point helps the body expel "pathogens," thereby relieving symptoms associated with febrile (fever-related) diseases and colds, such as:
Where is it Located, and How Do You Find It?
● Location: On the midline of the upper back, at the junction of the neck and the back. Tilt your head forward to locate the most prominent and movable bone at the base of the neck (the 7th cervical vertebra). GV14 is situated in the depression directly below it.
● Quick Find Method: Sit upright and tilt your head downward. If the bone is not immediately obvious, gently move your neck forward and backward. Find the vertebra that remains stationary during this movement—that is the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1). The vertebra directly above it is the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), which is the most prominent one. The depression right below C7 is GV14.
● Verification by Pressure: Once located, apply gentle pressure with your thumb. You should feel a distinct aching or heavy sensation, which may sometimes radiate toward the head, shoulders, or down the spine. This sensation indicates that you have found the correct spot.
Tip: The standard for correct acupoint location is achieving "De Qi" (the arrival of Qi). For the practitioner, this feels like a subtle suction or resistance beneath the fingers. For the person receiving the stimulation, it manifests as a sensation of soreness, numbness, distension, warmth, itching, mild pain, or even a feeling of energy radiating and spreading.
How to Apply Moxibustion?
It is recommended to use a medium or large moxa stick, depending on individual body size (larger physiques typically require larger moxa sticks). The duration should be guided by personal comfort.
When moxibustion is applied to the correct acupoint, the recipient often experiences a natural desire to maintain the heat there—similar to the feeling of wanting to stop eating once you are full. It should feel as though a "small mouth" at the point is actively drawing in the warmth of the moxa stick, rather than the heat being blocked at the surface of the skin. This indicates that the point has been accurately targeted.
● Matching Tool:
Note: This acupoint can also be stimulated using massage, patting, or Gua Sha.
Which Acupoints Can Be Combined for Better Efficacy?
1. For Asthma & Cough:
● Dingchuan (EX-B1): Located on the back, immediately lateral to GV14.
● Kongzui (LU6): Located on the forearm, a key point along the Lung Meridian.
● Lieque (LU7): Located near the wrist crease.
2. For Fevers, Colds, and Febrile Conditions:
● Quchi (LI11): Located at the lateral end of the elbow crease.
● Hegu (LI4): Located on the web of the hand, between the thumb and index finger.
● Fengchi (GB20): Located at the base of the skull, in the depression near the posterior hairline.
