Objective: To sum up the application regularity of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in clinical practice through studying the ancient literature from the early stage of the Qin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.
Methods: Chinese ancient medical literature relevant to Fengfu (GV 16) was searched to establish a database containing information of clinical indications of GV 16, supplementary acupoints, relevant needling techniques, moxibustion methods, etc.
Results: A total of 277 articles about Fengfu (GV 16) for 61 types of clinical disorders or diseases involving internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, five sense organs, etc. were obtained from 2,200 ancient Chinese medical books. Fengfu (GV 16) alone was most frequently used for treatment of disorders caused by exogenous factors, such as common cold, neck pain, headache, epilepsy, mania, dizziness, throat dumb, leg-foot problems, etc. , with the auxiliary acupoint being Fengchi (GB 20). In addition, 147 articles relevant to needling and moxibustion stimulation of GV 16 (7 types of methods) were found.
Conclusion: Fengfu (GV 16) is mainly used for local problems in the human body, and also for problems occurred along the meridian trace, aiming at the pathogenesis. When employed, GV 16 is often stimulated by acupuncture needle.