A quiet but reliable point on the crown of the head, Houding (GV-19) belongs to the Governing Vessel and sits just behind the famous Baihui (GV-20). It is used chiefly for headaches, dizziness and stiffness at the back of the head — a steady, local point for problems at the top.
Contraindications
Houding (GV-19) is a scalp point and is generally safe. As with all scalp points, avoid needling over broken skin, sores or infection in the area.
Name & story
The name 后顶 Houding means simply "Behind the Crown" — and that is exactly where it lives. 后 (hòu) means "behind" or "posterior", and 顶 (dǐng) means "the top" or "the crown of the head". It is as though the point introduces itself by where it stands: just one step behind the very summit, Baihui (GV-20). In Chinese medicine the crown of the head is where Yang energy rises to its highest point, and Houding sits just at the back of that summit, catching what flows there.
Point family & character
Houding (GV-19) belongs to the Governing Vessel (GV), the great Yang meridian that runs up the spine and over the top of the head. It is a local point on the scalp, without a special category title such as He-Sea or Xi Cleft, but its position on the Governing Vessel gives it a natural role in governing the head and the Yang of the whole body.
Location
Find the crown of the head — the highest point where Baihui (GV-20) sits. Houding (GV-19) is located 1.5 Cun directly behind Baihui, on the midline of the scalp.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies in the scalp, on the midline of the top of the head, beneath which sits the galea aponeurotica and the cranial vault.
Needling
The needle is inserted horizontally (flatly, just under the skin), directed either forward or backward along the scalp.
Safe depth
0.3–0.5 Cun, horizontally under the skin.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxa can be applied at this point, as is common for scalp points on the Governing Vessel. Gentle massage or acupressure on the scalp in the area of Houding can also be used to ease local tension and headache.
Functions
Calms the mind and clears the head; relieves headache and vertex pain; dispels Wind and alleviates dizziness; benefits the scalp and top of the head.
The golden tip
If you feel tension, heaviness or a headache gathering at the back of the crown, you can gently press or massage the area 1.5 Cun behind the very top of your head, along the midline. Use a fingertip or the knuckle, apply firm but comfortable pressure, and hold or circle slowly for 1–2 minutes. This can help ease the local tension and bring a sense of release at the top of the head.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.