Fengchi

Fengchi (風池), meaning “wind pool,” is an acupuncture point in traditional Chinese medicine. It is designated as Gallbladder 20 (GB20) on the Gallbladder meridian. The point is located at the base of the skull in the hollow formed between the upper fibers of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, just below the occipital bone.

In traditional practice, Fengchi is used to expel wind and clear the head, addressing a range of head and neck conditions. It is commonly employed for occipital headaches and migraines, dizziness or vertigo, neck stiffness, and neck pain. It is also used in prescriptions for nasal congestion, fever, hypertension, and insomnia, reflecting its role in regulating head–neck circulation and exterior wind disorders.

Technique and safety considerations emphasize that insertion should be performed by a trained practitioner. Needling is typically shallow and may be angled toward the trigonal or transverse plane, with care taken to avoid deep penetration near the vertebral artery and the spinal structures at the neck. As with other acupuncture points, contraindications include local infection or injury, and caution is advised in patients with neck pathology or vascular concerns. Fengchi remains one of the frequently referenced points for conditions associated with wind invasion and head-related symptoms in traditional formulations.