GV14 (Dazhui / Great Vertebra) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and practical clinical resources for qualified practitioners in Ireland and across Europe.
GV14, known as Dazhui (“Great Vertebra”), is located in the posterior midline at the cervicothoracic junction. This guide summarises the standard location, traditional functions, common combinations, anatomy and essential safety considerations.
This is a professional reference for appropriately trained practitioners. It is not a self-treatment guide and does not replace accredited anatomical and clinical training.
GV14 Dazhui quick reference
| Point name | GV14 — Dazhui (“Great Vertebra”) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Governing Vessel |
| Classification | Meeting point of the Governing Vessel with the six Yang channels |
| Region | Posterior midline at the cervicothoracic junction |
| Laterality | Midline |
| Core landmark | On the posterior midline, in the depression immediately below the spinous process of C7. |
Location of GV14 Dazhui
On the posterior midline, in the depression immediately below the spinous process of C7.
Use proportional B-cun measurement together with palpation and individual anatomy. A fixed centimetre measurement is not a substitute for anatomical location.
Traditional functions of GV14
- Clears Heat and releases the Exterior in traditional theory.
- Regulates nutritive and defensive Qi.
- Tonifies Yang where deficiency is diagnosed.
- Calms the Shen and benefits the neck and upper back.
These descriptions belong to traditional acupuncture theory. They are not claims that GV14 has been proven to diagnose, prevent or treat disease.
Traditional clinical applications
- Febrile or exterior-pattern presentations within appropriate scope and after medical assessment.
- Neck and upper-back stiffness or discomfort.
- Deficiency patterns where support of Yang and defensive Qi is part of the diagnosis.
Point selection should follow a complete assessment, differential diagnosis, informed consent and an individualised treatment plan.
Common point combinations
- GV14 + GB20: traditionally used to release the Exterior and benefit the neck.
- GV14 + LI11: considered where clearing Heat is central to the strategy.
- GV14 + GV20: used within selected Governing Vessel treatment plans.
These are traditional examples rather than fixed prescriptions.
Anatomy and practitioner notes
Differentiate C7 from T1 by palpating the spinous processes during gentle neck flexion and extension; C7 usually moves more than T1. Anatomical variation means the landmark should not be identified by sight alone.
Needling and essential safety
The spinal canal lies deep. Avoid deep perpendicular or inferiorly directed insertion and use only techniques supported by accredited cervical and thoracic acupuncture training. New neurological symptoms, trauma, severe neck pain, fever with neck stiffness or other red flags require medical assessment.
Use sterile, single-use needles, appropriate skin preparation and a technique suited to the patient’s anatomy, health, medicines and treatment position. Stop and reassess if unexpected sharp, electrical or strongly radiating sensation occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is GV14 Dazhui?
On the posterior midline, in the depression immediately below the spinous process of C7.
What does Dazhui mean?
Dazhui is commonly translated as “Great Vertebra”. The English rendering helps explain the traditional name but does not replace the anatomical landmark.
Can patients use this guide for self-needling?
No. This resource is written for qualified practitioners and does not replace supervised anatomical and clinical training.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Visit our Acupuncture Point Guides, or read the GV20 Baihui Guide and GB20 Fengchi Guide.
Practitioners can also browse our professional acupuncture needles and the wider Practitioner Guides library.
Professional disclaimer: This article is provided for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners for general educational purposes. Traditional actions and applications describe established acupuncture theory and are not claims of proven clinical efficacy. It is not medical advice, does not replace accredited training and should not be used as a universal treatment protocol. Practitioners remain responsible for assessment, consent, safe technique, infection control, record keeping, referral and compliance with professional and legal obligations.
Reference standards and safety reading:
World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
Master Tung’s Acupuncture / eLotus CORE. GV14 Dazhui reference page.
