Qiangjian (GV18)
Qiangjian (GV18), “Unyielding Space”, is a point on the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). It is point 18 of the 27 on the channel. Clears the head, calms the Shen and eases neck stiffness.
Location
On the head, 4 cun above the posterior hairline, on the median line.
Functions according to tradition
Clears the head, calms the Shen and eases neck stiffness.
Traditional indications
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Neck stiffness
- Dizziness
- Mania
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
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.
- BL66 Zutonggu (Bladder): Dizziness, Headache, Mania, Neck stiffness
- GB12 Wangu (Gallbladder): Headache, Insomnia, Neck stiffness
- TE12 Xiaoluo (San Jiao (Triple Burner)): Dizziness, Headache, Neck stiffness
- GB13 Benshen (Gallbladder): Dizziness, Headache, Insomnia
- BL65 Shugu (Bladder): Dizziness, Neck stiffness
- GB10 Fubai (Gallbladder): Headache, Neck stiffness
Point profile
- Code
- GV18
- Pinyin name
- Qiáng Jiān
- Characters
- 强间
- Translation
- Unyielding Space
- Meridian
- Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
- Topics
- Head & Neck, Insomnia, Neck
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.
