Posterior Vertex

后顶Hòu Dǐng

Anatomical location

1.5 cun above GV18, at the occiput.

Main function

Calms Internal Wind, benefits the head, calms the Shen.

Therapeutic indications

Headache
vertigo
epilepsy
insomnia
Cephalalgia
Mania

Name and classical tradition

Houding, 后顶, is the “vertex behind.” 后 (後) is behind; 顶 (頂), the crown. The name is topographic: the point is on the head, behind GV20, Baihui, on the posterior part of the vertex. It pairs with GV21, Qianding, the “vertex in front,” on the other side of Baihui.

The sources attribute it to the Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) and assign it classical indications such as vertigo due to Wind, pain at the top of the skull, epilepsy, convulsions, agitation, and stiffness of the neck, probably from that work, although no literal citation has been confirmed. Reference works record the alternative name 交衝.

Other names

交沖Jiayi Jing

Location of point GV19, Posterior Vertex — Reusable plate · CC BY-ND 4.0 (opens in a new tab)

View point on the 3D modelGV19 on the anatomy

Needling techniqueOblique downward insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Depth0.3-0.5 cun

MoxibustionContraindicated

PrecautionsAvoid deep needling so as not to injure the brain.

Protocols for the 20 patterns you see most in practice

Each pattern with its tongue, its pulse, the treatment principle and the points to tonify and disperse. Made for the treatment table, not the bookshelf.