Wind Pool
风池 Fēng Chí · GB-20
About GB-20 Wind Pool
GB-20 Fengchi is one of the most frequently used acupuncture points in clinical practice, serving as the primary point for expelling wind from the head and neck. Its name, 'Wind Pool,' describes the depression at the base of the skull where wind pathogens are said to gather like water pooling in a hollow. In TCM, wind is the pathogen responsible for the rapid onset of symptoms in the head: sudden headache, stiff neck, dizziness, eye disturbance, and the chills and body aches of the common cold.
The point sits at the intersection of the Gallbladder and Triple Burner meridians, both shaoyang (lesser yang) channels that traverse the sides of the head and the region around the ears. This dual-channel connection gives GB-20 a remarkably broad influence over the entire head. It treats headaches regardless of location (frontal, temporal, occipital, or vertex), and it clears the sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose) that are vulnerable to wind invasion. When combined with LI-4 Hegu, the two points together form one of the most powerful headache-clearing combinations in acupuncture.
Beyond external wind, GB-20 also addresses internal wind -- the Liver-generated pathology that produces dizziness, tremors, visual disturbance, and in severe cases, stroke. By subduing rising Liver yang and calming internal wind, Fengchi serves as an important point in the management of hypertension, migraine, and vestibular disorders. Modern research has confirmed measurable effects on cerebral blood flow and blood pressure regulation with stimulation of this point.
How to Find This Point
Place both thumbs at the base of the skull, in the two hollows on either side of the thick muscles running down the center of the neck. Slide outward until you feel the depressions between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. These symmetrical hollows are GB-20.
Technique
Press firmly with both thumbs simultaneously, angling the pressure upward and slightly inward toward the opposite eye. Sustained firm pressure or deep circular kneading. The head can be slightly tilted back to open the area.
Pressure & Duration
Firm pressure for 2-3 minutes, both sides simultaneously.
Benefits
Expels wind (internal and external), clears the head, benefits the eyes, ears, and nose, relaxes the sinews, alleviates pain, brightens the eyes
Indications
Headache (all types), stiff neck, common cold, dizziness, hypertension, eye disorders, tinnitus, nasal congestion, insomnia, occipital neuralgia, epilepsy
TCM Actions
Expels wind (external and internal), clears heat, benefits the head and eyes, activates the channel, subdues Liver yang, meeting point of the Gallbladder and Triple Burner meridians
Self-Care Use
Press firmly at the base of the skull on both sides simultaneously for headache, stiff neck, and cold symptoms. This is one of the best all-purpose headache points and is extraordinarily effective for the tension headache that starts at the base of the skull and radiates forward. Press firmly, angling thumbs slightly upward, for 2-3 minutes. Also one of the first points to press at the onset of a cold.
Contraindications & Cautions
Use controlled pressure and avoid deep aggressive needling direction toward the opposite eye (relevant primarily for acupuncturists). Acupressure is generally safe. Use caution in individuals with vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the GB-20 Wind Pool acupressure point located?
GB-20 Wind Pool (Fēng Chí) is located at: In the depression between the origins of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, at the level of GV-16 (Fengfu), below the occipital bone. Place both thumbs at the base of the skull, in the two hollows on either side of the thick muscles running down the center of the neck. Slide outward until you feel the depressions between the trapezi
How long should I press GB-20 Wind Pool?
Apply firm pressure to GB-20 for 2-3 minutes, both sides simultaneously. Press firmly with both thumbs simultaneously, angling the pressure upward and slightly inward toward the opposite eye. Sustained firm pressure or deep circular kneading. The head can be slightly tilte
What are the benefits of stimulating GB-20 Wind Pool?
Expels wind (internal and external), clears the head, benefits the eyes, ears, and nose, relaxes the sinews, alleviates pain, brightens the eyes
Is it safe to do acupressure on GB-20 at home?
Press firmly at the base of the skull on both sides simultaneously for headache, stiff neck, and cold symptoms. This is one of the best all-purpose headache points and is extraordinarily effective for Cautions: Use controlled pressure and avoid deep aggressive needling direction toward the opposite eye (relevant primarily for acupuncturists). Acupressure is g
Which meridian does GB-20 belong to?
GB-20 Wind Pool belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, which is associated with the Wood element. Its TCM actions include: Expels wind (external and internal), clears heat, benefits the head and eyes, activates the channel, subdues Liver yang, meeting point of the Gallbladder and Triple Burner meridians