Anterior Vertex

前顶Qián Dǐng

Anatomical location

1.5 cun in front of GV20, on the midline of the head.

Main function

Calms Internal Wind, benefits the head, improves vision.

Therapeutic indications

Headache
vertigo
blurred vision
epilepsy
Cephalalgia
Nasal congestion
Facial edema

Name and classical tradition

Qianding, 前顶, is the “vertex in front.” 前 is front; 顶 (頂), the crown. The name is topographic and direct: the point lies in front of GV20, Baihui, and pairs with GV19, Houding, which lies behind it.

The Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) locates it «在囟會後一寸五分，骨間陷者中»: one and a half cun behind Xinhui, in the depression between the bones. The citation, in the work’s characteristic format, uses its neighbor GV22 as a reference. No alternative names are known.

Location of point GV21, Anterior Vertex — Reusable plate · CC BY-ND 4.0 (opens in a new tab)

View point on the 3D modelGV21 on the anatomy

Needling techniqueOblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Depth0.3-0.5 cun

MoxibustionApplicable (3-5 cones or 5-10 minutes, indirect moxa)

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.