Benshen (GB13)
Benshen (GB13), “Root of the Spirit”, is a point on the Gallbladder meridian. It is point 13 of the 44 on the channel. Extinguishes internal Wind, calms the Shen and clears the mind.
Location
On the head, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline, 3 cun lateral to the anterior median line.
Functions according to tradition
Extinguishes internal Wind, calms the Shen and clears the mind.
Traditional indications
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Dizziness
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
Two or more channels meet here, so it is credited with acting on all of them.
Precautions
No specific precautions are described beyond the general ones for acupuncture. Needling must always be performed by a trained professional.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- GV19 Houding (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Dizziness, Epilepsy, Headache, Insomnia
- BL5 Wuchu (Bladder): Dizziness, Epilepsy, Headache
- BL3 Meichong (Bladder): Dizziness, Epilepsy, Headache
- EX-HN22 Anmian (Extraordinary points): Anxiety, Dizziness, Insomnia
- GV18 Qiangjian (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Dizziness, Headache, Insomnia
- GV20 Baihui (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Anxiety, Headache, Insomnia
Point profile
- Code
- GB13
- Pinyin name
- Běn Shén
- Characters
- 本神
- Translation
- Root of the Spirit
- Meridian
- Gallbladder
- Element
- Wood
- Classification
- Crossing point
- Topics
- Mental, Epilepsy, Head & Neck
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
