The acupoints on the nape are generally needled 0.5 - 1 cun obliquely downward. The angle and depth of needle insertion should be carefully controlled so as to prevent accidents.
Yamen (GV 15) and Fengfu (GV 16)—Deep insertion is inadvisable. It should not be inserted over 1 cun because there are important structures in the deep layer. The needle tip should be inserted slowly toward the mandible. But it should not be inserted upwards to avoid insertion of the needle into the great occipital foramen or impairment of the medullary bulb.
Fengchi (GB 20)--It is needled slowly with the needle tip pointing toward the tip of the nose. It should not be inserted over 1 cun lest the medullary bulb be impaired.
Tianzhu (BL 10)--It is needled perpendicularly or obliquely 0.5-0.8 cun. But it cannot be inserted deep obliquely upward lest the medullary bulb be impaired.