Naokong (GB19)
Naokong (GB19), “Brain Hollow”, is a point on the Gallbladder meridian. It is point 19 of the 44 on the channel. Clears the head, calms the Shen and eases neck stiffness.
Location
On the head, level with the upper border of the external occipital protuberance, directly above GB20.
Functions according to tradition
Clears the head, calms the Shen and eases neck stiffness.
Traditional indications
- Occipital headache
- Dizziness
- Neck stiffness
- Palpitations
- Epilepsy
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
Two or more channels meet here, so it is credited with acting on all of them.
Precautions
No specific precautions are described beyond the general ones for acupuncture. Needling must always be performed by a trained professional.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- GV17 Naohu (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Dizziness, Epilepsy, Neck stiffness, Occipital headache
- GV19 Houding (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Dizziness, Epilepsy, Neck stiffness
- BL65 Shugu (Bladder): Dizziness, Neck stiffness, Occipital headache
- GV15 Yamen (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Epilepsy, Neck stiffness, Occipital headache
- BL3 Meichong (Bladder): Dizziness, Epilepsy
- BL5 Wuchu (Bladder): Dizziness, Epilepsy
Point profile
- Code
- GB19
- Pinyin name
- Nǎo Kōng
- Characters
- 脑空
- Translation
- Brain Hollow
- Meridian
- Gallbladder
- Element
- Wood
- Classification
- Crossing point
- Topics
- Head & Neck, Mental, Eyes
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
