Middle of Person, also known as GV 26 in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a powerful emergency point on the Governing Vessel meridian. Found at the junction of the upper lip and nasal philtrum, it is traditionally used to stimulate consciousness and clear obstruction in the brain and spirit.
GV 26 has long been employed in both emergency first aid protocols and restorative treatments for nervous system rebalancing. In addition to its acute effects, it supports cognitive clarity and energetic grounding when the body is recovering from sudden shock or collapse.
Alternate names include GV 26, Renzhong, and Shui Gou.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | GV 26 – Middle of Person |
| Body Area | Face |
| Exact Location | On the midline between the base of the nose and the upper lip, in the philtrum groove |
| Common Uses | Fainting, dizziness, mental confusion, shock |
| Stimulation Technique | Press lightly downward with fingertip for 30 seconds while keeping the head steady |
| Contraindications | Avoid stimulation in cases of nasal trauma, active bleeding, or during late pregnancy without supervision |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
GV 26 is one of the most dynamic points in acupressure and acupuncture, especially during acute states of collapse or disorientation. It is frequently used in conditions such as:
- Sudden fainting or loss of consciousness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mental confusion, panic, or emotional shock
- Stiffness or deviation of the mouth and tongue (post-stroke care)
- Recovery from trauma-related collapse or weakness
In TCM, GV 26 restores the flow of yang energy to the head and awakens the Shen (spirit) when it has become obscured by internal or external disturbance.
Location
To locate GV 26:
- Identify the groove (philtrum) between the nose and upper lip.
- Move to the midpoint of this groove, directly below the nasal septum and above the center of the lip.
- The point lies on the vertical midline of the face.
It is easy to locate by gently tracing downward from the nose along the groove until reaching the natural depression.
Looking for an easier way to use this point in your wellness routine? This pressure point is simple to locate and even easier to apply when guided step-by-step. It’s featured in over 70 evidence-based pressure point protocols inside our Pressure Points Guide app. Whether you’re looking to revive alertness, relieve dizziness, or calm emotional shock, the app guides you through every session with visuals and audio. Click here to download our app.
How to Stimulate It
- Tool: Index or middle fingertip
- Method: Apply light downward pressure directly onto the point while the individual’s head remains steady
- Duration: 30 seconds or until signs of improvement
- Pressure Level: Gentle but firm—avoid pain or skin irritation
- Posture: Supine or seated with supported head
- Frequency: As needed in acute settings, or once daily in regulated treatments
- Pairing: Commonly combined with GV 20 – Hundred Meetings for consciousness and head qi regulation
Benefits and Common Uses
Stimulation of GV 26 is used for:
- Reviving Consciousness: Immediate intervention for fainting or shock
- Mental Clarity: Clears mental fog and helps orient alertness
- Neurological Regulation: Addresses mild facial paralysis or collapse
- Emergency Grounding: Reconnects mind and body in disoriented states
- Energetic Awakening: Opens the Du meridian to restore yang circulation to the brain
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
GV 26 is anatomically located near branches of the infraorbital nerve and vessels supplying the midface. Its stimulation can activate sympathetic pathways and temporarily elevate blood pressure and alertness, making it suitable in emergency first-aid scenarios.
From a TCM standpoint, it draws yang qi upward and anchors the spirit (Shen) when dispersed or disordered due to trauma, emotional collapse, or vascular instability.
Practitioner Insight
GV 26 is one of the few points I reserve for acute use—especially when someone feels faint or emotionally overwhelmed. A few seconds of steady pressure here often helps restore presence and stability before moving into broader treatment.
Safety & Contraindications
- Avoid overuse or aggressive stimulation
- Do not use on infants or very young children
- Use caution if:
- There is facial trauma or surgery
- The person is pregnant (consult a licensed provider)
- There is active nasal bleeding or inflammation
Read our full Acupressure Safety Guide and explore more supportive techniques in the Acupressure category.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.
Related Points & Techniques
- GV 20 – Hundred Meetings for boosting yang and head qi
- PC 6 – Inner Gate for calming the heart and relieving anxiety
- ST 36 – Leg Three Miles to stabilize qi and restore strength
Complementary methods:
- Cold cloth on the neck during stimulation for syncope
- Guided breath pacing after initial recovery
- Palmar pressing (Lao Gong) for warmth and energetic grounding
More sessions with Middle of Person (GV 26) in our Pressure Points Guide app.
Scientific Perspective
Although few clinical studies focus exclusively on GV 26, emergency acupuncture protocols often include this point for resuscitation support. Some studies have reported modulation of autonomic nervous system activity and improved responsiveness during vasovagal episodes and fainting (PubMed).