Acupuncture Point Taodao (GV13)
Location:
Lie prostrate or pronely; firstly, locate DazhuiGV14(Dazhui (GV14)), then locate by pressing the 1st spinous process below DazhuiGV14(GV14), in the depression at the lower side of it.

Function:
Relieving the exterior syndrome, clearing heat and tranquilizing the mind.

Regional Anatomy:
The layer structures of the needle insertion are the same as those in Jizhong (GV6) (GV 6).
In the superficial layer, there are the medial cutaneous branches of the posterior branches of the 1st thoracic nerve and the accompanying artery and vein.In the deep layer, there are the external (posterior) vertebral venous plexus between the adjacent spinous processes, the branches of the posterior branches of the 1st thoracic nerve and the branches or tributaries of the dorsal branches of the dorsal branches of the 1st posterior intercostal artery and vein.

Indications:
Stiffness of the back, Headache, malaria, and febrile diseases.

Prescription:
Combined use with Lieque (LU7) Luo-Connecting Point the Eight Confluent Point) for treatment of common cold; with Yemen (TE 2) Ying-Spring Point) for treatment of malaria; with Acupuncture Single Point Shuigou for treatment of schizophrenia; and with Acupuncture Single Point Shenzhu , Feishu (BL 13) and Gaohuang (BL43) for treatment of consumptive disease.

Methods:
poupward 0.5-1 cun depth; needling response: local numbness and distention, radiating downward; moxibustion: using 3-7 moxa-cones, or mild moxibustion for 15 min.
Note:
To avoid injuring the spinal cord, never puncture deeply, because the epidural space is very narrow and the spinal cord enlarge therein.