Cavity Point Keichu.

• Name Name: Keichu; Translation, concentration
• Strike point: Just below GV #16.
• Location: Center of the back of the neck, between the third and fourth Cervical vertebrae.
• Depth: 0.5 TO 0.8.
• Vasculation: The branch of the occipital arteries and vein of both sides.
• Innervation: The branch of the greater occipital nerve.
• Technique: Two fingers twisted fist, best strike elbow.
• Best strike time: Open.
• Effect: Stimulation to the brain / loss of function to organs / loss of motor function.
• Result: Death / unconsciousness / loss of speech.
• Cure: In the case of a light strike lay flat and the motor sense will return in a minute or two. In the case of a heavy strike, a fracture or concussion is very possible, medical attention is necessary. In the case of a extreme strike, there is no cure, slow death is eminent. In any case temporary or permanent loss of speech may occur.

Commentary

Keichu is not a true pressure point used by acupuncturists for healing. GV # 15 is used to heal pain in the cardiac region, and the chest, mental disorders and epilepsy. GV #16 is used to heal, distention and fullness in the chest and the intercostals region, hiccups, nausea and anorexia. GV # 15 and 16, just above Keichu, are used as a combat striking points but I feel that 1) they are not as devastating and they are difficult to access, 2) they were not listed on supreme grant master Hohan Soken’s combat point chart, which is the chart I am using for the forty-four striking points.

Keichu is located on the very center of the back of the neck. The word Keichu when translated to English, means, concentration. Portraying the ability to inhibit concentration and therefore ones over all motion to the receiver when hit. This can happen for two reasons, 1) the strike may affect all the nerves contained within the body due to shock to the spinal column 2) sudden jarring of the brain. A similar affect may happen in the case of a rear end car collision where whiplash can occur. Although it is rare that death may occur, when an extreme strike is masterfully executed death is eminent. The difference is, a blunt strike is far more dangerous.

Keichu is located between the third and fourth cervical vertebrae. This flexible group of cervical vertebra supports the skull and the neck, holding the head erect which develops and maintains the necks curvature. The first and second cervical vertebrae are unique as is the seventh with its prominent spine. The foramina in the transverse processes of c1-c6 transmit the vertebral arteries to the base of the brain. The series of vertebral foramina form a canal for the spinal cord, which controls all functions of the entire body. This knowledge can suggest to the thoughtful student some of the possible reasons for the effects listed above.

In many Kata, there is a technique performed where the practitioner goes down on to one knee usually the right. After performing this maneuver, a right punch supported by the left arm, is thrown towards the ground. The Bunkai of this technique is often demonstrated as a strike to the throat. One of the rules of acupuncture is where there is a pressure point on the front of the body there is a equivalent pressure point on the opposite side of the body. This rule is also effective for combat pressure point purposes too. The back of the neck may be hit if the body of the adversary (in the Kata) lands on his face rather than on his back. This would, of course, be determined by the preceeding technique, I have just explained. This is only one of the many possible Bunkai for this technique found in Kata such as, Chinto and Gojushiho. Keichu is usually used as a secondary strike, or a finishing strike, after a primary strike that doubles an opponent over. Keichu may also be used when a side step maneuver is used. These are two of many examples for the use of Keichu, and with a little investigation on your part, you might find several more.