Hours of work each week can bring a feeling of heaviness in your head, eye strain from endless screen time, and a stiff neck that won’t go away. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long recognized the importance of keeping the head clear and the senses sharp.
One key acupoint that plays a crucial role in clearing the head and senses is Nao Kong (GB19), also called Brain Hollow. Located at the back of the head, this acupoint has been used for centuries to relieve headaches, dizziness, and mental fog.
How does Nao Kong work, and what does modern science say about it?
Nao Kong in Traditional Medicine and Modern Research
Recorded as early as the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (The Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion),” Nao Kong has been a trusted acupoint in treating various ailments of the head and sensory organs. “The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion” recounts how the renowned physician Hua Tuo (late 2nd century) used acupuncture on Nao Kong to cure General Wei Tai-cu of severe headaches, dizziness, and mental confusion.
According to TCM, Nao Kong offers several benefits. It is believed to help pacify wind and clear the sensory organs, which translates into its ability to alleviate headaches and a sense of heaviness in the head. It can also relieve eye strain, blurred vision, and various eye disorders. Additionally, Nao Kong is effective in addressing tinnitus and other hearing issues and soothing neck stiffness and soft tissue pain.
In TCM philosophy, many acupoints have a dual effect on physical and mental well-being, and Nao Kong is known to promote mental clarity. This acupoint is often used in clinical treatment protocols, frequently in combination with other points to enhance its effectiveness, making it a valuable tool in holistic healing practices.
Modern science is increasingly exploring the efficacy of acupuncture, including studies assessing Nao Kong. One study compared fire needle therapy combined with walnut-shell moxibustion to standard eye drops for perimenopausal dry eye disease. The results showed that the acupuncture-moxibustion method significantly improved tear production and symptom relief compared to eye drops alone.
Studies involving children with cerebral palsy have indicated that combining acupuncture with physical therapy may enhance motor function, pointing to its potential impact on neurological rehabilitation. However, results have been mixed, emphasizing the need for further research.
How to Locate and Stimulate Nao Kong
Locating Nao Kong is a straightforward process. Start by finding the prominent bump at the back of your head. Once you’ve identified this bump, move a bit more than two finger widths horizontally to either side of it. In this area, you should feel a slight indentation that may be tender when pressed—that’s Nao Kong.
There are several ways to stimulate this acupoint:
- Direct Pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes per side.
- Circular Massage: Using your thumb or index finger, massage in small circles for one to three minutes per side.
- Advanced Techniques: A trained TCM professional may use acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort)for enhanced effects. If using moxibustion, take care to avoid burning hair in the area.
When to Use Caution
Nao Kong is generally safe for self-massage, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Avoid stimulation if you have an injury in the area.
- If you are exploring the use of Nao Kong for epilepsy, consult your primary health care provider before incorporating acupressure as a complementary therapy.
A Simple Self-Care Practice for Modern Stress
Spending hours in front of screens or dealing with constant stress can create tension in the neck and head. Stimulating Nao Kong encourages better circulation, reduced stiffness, and improved sensory function.
From a TCM perspective, acupoints affect physical health and influence mental well-being. So, why not take a moment to connect with your body, appreciate the relief, and perhaps even extend a gesture of care to someone around you? A calm mind and a refreshed body go hand in hand.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 11 Mar 2025
