# GV23 Shangxing (Upper Star) – Governing Vessel

上星 · shàng xīng

Location: 1 thumb width directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline.

Cautions: No specific contraindications.

Canonical page: https://acuiq.com/points/gv23

## Indications

An indication list is a reference index, not a prescription – see the protocols below for sourced treatments.

Loss of Smell, Loss of Smell, Benefit Eyes, Benefit Eyes, Benefit Head, Benefit Head, Benefit Nose, Benefit Nose, Bleeding Mouth Persistent, Bleeding Mouth Persistent, Bleeding Nose Persistent, Bleeding Nose Persistent, Calm Spirit Shen, Calm Spirit Shen, Depression, Nasal Discharge, Nasal Discharge, Discharge Nasal Clear, Discharge Nasal Clear, Disease Febrile, Disease Febrile, Psychological Disorder, Psychological Disorder, Eyesight / Vision Dizzy, Dizzy Vision, Eyesight / Vision Myopia Short Sightedness, Myopia Short Sightedness Vision, Malaria, Obstruction Nasal, Obstruction Nasal, Eye Pain, Eye Pain, Headache, Headache, Polyp Nasal, Polyp Nasal, Redness, Rhinitis, Spontaneous Sweating, Spontaneous Sweating, Swelling, Facial Swelling, Facial Swelling, Head Skin Swelling, Head Skin Swelling, Wind, Wind Head, Wind Head

## Most often selected alongside GV23

Sourced protocols in the index pairing each point with this one. Corpus frequency, not a combination to use.

- LI04 (Junction Valley) – 34 protocols
- GB20 (Wind Pool) – 20 protocols
- GV20 (100 Convergences) – 19 protocols
- LI20 (Receiving Fragrance) – 17 protocols
- XH03 (Hall Of Impression Or Seal Hall) – 15 protocols
- LI11 (Pond At The Bend) – 14 protocols
- PC06 (Inner Gate) – 14 protocols
- SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) – 14 protocols

## Protocols using GV23 (50 best-sourced of 64)

| Symptoms | Points | Course | Source | Kind | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Obstruction, Sneezing, Rhinitis Persistent, Rhinorrhea, Itching Nasal | LI04, LI20, ST02, ST36, GV23 | 28 days | doi:10.1186/1745-6215-10-54 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Photophobia, Eye Pain, Vision Blurred, Dry Eye, Eye Itching, Eye Foreign Body Sensation, Eye Burning, Eye Dryness | LU09, LU10, ST01, SP03, HT08, BL02, TB23, GB04, GB20, GV23 | 21 days | doi:10.1186/1745-6215-10-112 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Eye Pain, Dry Eye, Ocular Itching, Foreign Body Sensation, Burning, Dryness Eye, Visual Disturbance, Ocular Redness | LI04, LI11, ST01, BL02, TB23, GB14, GB20, GV23 | 28 days | doi:10.1186/1745-6215-11-107 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Cough, Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Obstruction, Sneezing, Dyspnea, Rhinorrhea, Rhinosinusitis | LU09, LU10, LI04, LI20, SP03, HT08, GV23 | 35 days | doi:10.1093/ecam/nep240 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Headache, Vomiting, Nausea, Migraine, Head Pain | LI04, ST08, ST36, ST40, ST44, SP06, BL02, BL10, BL11, BL60, PC06, TB05, GB02, GB08, GB14, GB34, GB41, LV02, LV03, GV18, GV23 | 1 days | doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-241 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Dry Eye Syndrome, Ocular Discomfort, Tear Film Instability | LI04, LI11, ST01, BL02, TB23, GB14, GB20, GV23 | 28 days | doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0036638 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Hypertension, Blood Pressure Elevated | LI04, LI11, ST09, ST36, SP06, PC06, LV03, GV20, GV23 | 5 days | doi:10.1155/2013/808971 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Eye Pain, Ocular Itching, Dryness Eye, Visual Disturbance, Ocular Redness, Dry Eye Post-refractive Surgery, Foreign Body Sensation Eye, Burning Eye | LI04, LI11, ST01, BL02, TB23, GB14, GB20, GV23 | 28 days | doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-351 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Dry Eye, Eye Dryness, Eye Discomfort | LU09, LU10, ST01, SP03, HT08, BL02, TB23, GB14, GB20, GV23 | 21 days | doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.02027.x | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Fatigue, Anxiety, Palpitations, Insomnia, Shortness Of Breath, Chest Tightness, Panic Attack, Dizziness Lightheadedness | GB08, GB09, GV23, GV24 | 35 days | doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.034 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Fatigue, Insomnia, Nausea, Nightmares, Weight Loss, Chest Pain, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Irritability, Ptsd, Anxiety Severe | GB08, GB09, GV23, GV24 | 42 days | doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.034 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Obstruction, Sneezing, Nasal Itching, Rhinorrhea | LU05, LU07, LI04, LI20, ST02, GV14, GV23 | 28 days | doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1432-z | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Hyposmia, Smell Loss Postinfectious, Anosmia, Parosmia | LU07, LI04, LI20, ST44, SP06, BL03, GV23 | 42 days | doi:10.1007/s00405-021-06872-9 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Vision Loss, Macular Edema, Retinal Vein Occlusion | TB05, TB23, GB20, GV23 | 240 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000028202 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Dizziness, Nausea, Vertigo, Balance Impaired, Vertigo Positional, Tinnitus Ear Stuffiness, Cold Sweats, Vertigo Positional Paroxysmal | BL61, GB08, GB20, GB39, GB42, GV20, GV23 | 56 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000036032 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Nasal Congestion, Nasal Discharge, Sneezing, Rhinitis Allergic Perennial | LU05, LI04, LI20, ST02, GV14, GV23 | 42 days | doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20221293 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Neuropathic Pain, Herpes Zoster Head, Herpes Zoster Face, Neuralgia Postherpetic Risk | ST08, TB23, GB15, GV23 | 7 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000042066 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Depression, Sleep Disorder, Depression Mild-to-moderate, Anxiety Somatization | LU11, ST36, SP01, SP06, PC07, CV06, CV12, GV23, GV26 | 28 days | doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230243 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Sneezing, Nasal Itching, Rhinorrhea, Eye Itching, Eye Watering | LI04, LI20, BL02, GB20, GV23 | 28 days | doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3495-0 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Memory Impaired, Cognitive Impairment Mild | BL62, PC07, GV16, GV23 | 90 days | doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.942682 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Memory Impaired, Cognitive Impairment Mild | ST36, KD13, KD14, GB39, GV14, GV15, GV16, GV20, GV23, GV24 | 56 days | doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.942682 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Nasal Congestion, Sleep Disturbed, Allergic Rhinitis, Sneezing, Nasal Itching, Rhinorrhea Clear | LI04, LI20, ST36, BL07, BL13, CV08, GV23 | – | doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29262 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Sneezing, Nasal Itching, Rhinorrhea Clear | LU07, LI04, LI20, GV23 | – | doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29262 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Cognitive Impairment, Dementia Alzheimer, Functional Decline | GB20, GV20, GV23, GV24 | 150 days | doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1548878 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Headache | LI04, GB20, GV16, GV20, GV23 | – | doi:10.27282/d.cnki.gsdzu.2024.000791 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia Post-stroke | LU11, LI11, ST06, SP01, BL62, PC07, PC08, CV01, CV24, GV16, GV23, GV26 | – | doi:10.27258/d.cnki.gnxyc.2024.000499 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Discharge, Sneezing, Rhinitis Persistent | LI04, LI19, LI20, ST36, SP06, BL13, BL20, BL23, GB20, GV16, GV23, XH03 | 28 days | doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0707-0 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Fever, Seizure, Autonomic Dysfunction, Consciousness Impaired, Encephalitis Autoimmune, Mental Abnormality, Memory Disorder, Movement Involuntary | ST36, ST40, SP06, PC06, LV03, GV20, GV23, GV26, XH03 | 112 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000038546 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Hemiplegia, Upper Limb Weakness, Paralysis Hand, Apraxia Hand, Stroke Pediatric | LI04, LI11, SP06, PC06, GB07, GV20, GV23, XH03 | 150 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000044948 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Parkinson's Disease, Cognitive Impairment Mild | ST36, SP03, HT08, BL62, BL66, KD03, KD06, PC08, CV12, CV14, GV20, GV23, GV24, XH03 | 90 days | doi:10.27126/d.cnki.ghlzy.2025.000006 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Depression Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Disease Early Stage | GV20, GV23, GV24, XH03 | 28 days | doi:10.27126/d.cnki.ghlzy.2025.000059 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Stroke Sequelae, Hand Problems, Apraxia Hand, Stroke Pediatric, Upper Limb Weakness | LI04, LI11, SP06, PC06, GB07, GV01, GV14, GV20, GV23, XH03 | 150 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000044948 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Herpes Zoster, Facial Pain, Perimenopause, Herpes Zoster Head, Herpes Zoster Face | LU07, LI04, ST08, BL10, PC06, GB08, GB20, GB42, GV20, GV23 | 12 days | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250317-0002 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Asthma, Sinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis, Obstruction Nasal, Rhinosinusitis | LU09, LU10, LI04, LI20, SP03, HT08, GV23, XH03 | 35 days | doi:10.1093/ecam/nep240 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Allergic Rhinitis | LU05, LI04, LI20, ST02, GV14, GV23, XH03, XH08 | 28 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000044429 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Panic Attack, Anxiety Generalized | GB08, GB09, GV23, GV24, XH03, XH05 | 28 days | doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.034 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Macular Edema, Retinal Vein Occlusion | TB05, TB23, GB20, GV23, XH04, XH05 | 240 days | doi:10.1097/md.0000000000028202 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Vision Decreased, Macular Edema, Retinal Vein Occlusion | TB05, TB23, GB20, GV23, XH04, XH05 | 240 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000028202 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Smell Loss Postinfectious, Loss Of Smell | LU07, LI04, LI20, ST44, SP06, BL03, GV23 | 42 days | doi:10.1007/s00405-021-06872-9 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Allergic Rhinitis, Rhinitis Allergic Perennial | LU05, LI04, LI20, ST02, GV14, GV23, XH03, XH08 | 42 days | doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20221293 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Coma, Consciousness Disorder, Encephalitis Autoimmune | ST36, ST40, SP06, PC06, LV03, GV23, GV26, XH03 | 28 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000038546 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Herpes Zoster, Herpes Zoster Face | ST08, TB23, GB15, GV23, XH03, XH04, XH05 | 8 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000042066 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Depression Perimenopausal | LU11, ST06, SP01, BL62, PC07, PC08, CV24, GV23, GV26 | 84 days | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20190308-0005 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Hemiplegia, Stroke Sequelae | LI04, LI11, SP06, PC06, GB07, GV01, GV14, GV20, GV23, XH03 | 150 days | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000044948 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Anxiety, Insomnia | GB08, GB09, GV23, GV24, XH03, XH05 | 42 days | doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.034 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| Depression, Insomnia, Memory Loss, Slow Reaction, Difficulty Falling Asleep, Light Sleep, Early Waking Up, Exhaustion, Difficulty Thinking, Inattention | ST36, SP06, HT07, PC06, LV03, GV20, GV23 | 30 days | ZHANG Yue-feng, REN Gui-fang & ZHANG Xiu-chun. Acupuncture plus Cupping for Treating Insomnia in College Students. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2010, 30(3): 185-188 | text | Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report. |
| Hiccup, Epigastric Distension | LI11, BL62, PC07, LV03, CV08, GV23 | 2 days | Wu Fei & Hu Ling-xiang. Clinical Application of Quick Cupping onto Shenque (CV 8). Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2009, 29(4): 275-276 | text | Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report. |
| Insomnia | ST25, ST36, ST40, SP06, SP09, HT07, BL14, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL21, BL23, KD03, PC06, GB20, GB41, LV03, CV04, CV06, CV12, CV17, GV20, GV23, GV24 | 20 days | Ling Li et al. Clinical Study on the Visceral Differentiation-Based Acupuncture Therapy for Insomnia. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2008, 28(4): 270-273 | text | Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report. |
| Neuralgia Trigeminal, Facial Trigeminal Pain | LI04, LI20, ST02, ST04, ST06, ST18, SI18, SI19, BL02, TB23, GB03, GB13, GB14, CV24, GV23 | 10 days | Zhu Xiaojun. Electro-Acupuncture Combined with the Trigger Point Needle Embedding for Treatment of Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia in 32 Cases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2003, 23(1): 78-80 | text | Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report. |
| Dry Eye Syndromes | LU09, LU10, ST01, SP03, HT08, BL02, TB23, GB14, GB20, GV23 | – | Acupuncture for Dry Eye Syndrome. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00969280 | text | Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report. |

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AcuiQ-authored prose (symptom and meridian descriptions, the wiki, the auricular crosswalk) is licensed CC-BY-4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The assembled protocol compilation is not: build on it with attribution, but do not redistribute it whole as a dataset – https://acuiq.com/terms. The underlying findings are the cited sources' claims – each entry carries its citation; verify against the source before relying on it. Not medical advice: https://acuiq.com/terms