EXT-1 - Four Alert Spirits

四神聪 - Sì shén cōng

Point Region: Head

EXT

Extra Points

其他穴位 - Qítā Xuéwèi

EXT-1, or 'Sishencong' (meaning 'Four Spirit Aides'), is a set of four extra points located on the top of the head. Its name refers to its ability to address issues related to the 'spirit' or 'shen,' as well as a sense of mental clarity and focus.

As a local point, Sishencong is primarily used for issues related to the head and neck, such as a headache, dizziness, and a sense of 'stuckness' in the head. It is a go-to point for 'calming' the mind and 'clearing' emotional blockages in the head. By stimulating this point, you can help to restore a sense of peace and tranquility to the mind and body.

Sishencong acts as a vital access point to the core of the body, providing a direct and effective way to address blockages and restore a sense of comfort and vitality to the upper body. It's a reminder of the power of local points to provide targeted relief and restore a sense of comfort and vitality to the entire body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: Four points forming a cross around GV-20, each 1 cun away in the cardinal directions.

How to Locate:

  1. Locate the crown of your head (top center)
  2. Find GV-20 at the highest point where lines from ear to ear and nose to neck cross
  3. Measure one finger-width (1 cun) forward, backward, left, and right from GV-20
  4. These four points form the Four Alert Spirits
Location illustration for Four points forming a cross around GV-20, each 1 cun away in the cardinal directions.

Primary Functions

Nervous System

  • Enhances mental clarity and concentration
  • Improves memory and cognitive function
  • Calms the mind and reduces anxiety
  • Treats insomnia and sleep disorders

Emotional & Mental

  • Relieves depression and emotional instability
  • Promotes mental tranquility
  • Reduces stress and nervous tension

Circulatory System

  • Improves cerebral blood circulation
  • Regulates blood pressure

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Epilepsy
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Poor memory
  • Tinnitus
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Mental restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Combined Applications:

EXT-1 + GV-20
Calms the Shen and treats insomnia, poor memory, and mental fog
EXT-1 + EXT-2
Enhances clarity and emotional grounding in anxiety or overthinking

EXT-1 Protocols

Mental Clarity & Headache Relief (3 minutes)

  1. Sit comfortably with spine straight
  2. Locate 四神聪 (EXT-1) — four points surrounding GV-20 at the vertex of the head
  3. Apply gentle pressure to each point for 30 seconds
  4. Massage in small circles for 1 minute to clear the mind and ease headache
  5. Repeat pressure while breathing deeply and relaxing the scalp