GB-13 - Spirit Root

本神 - Běn shén

Point Region: Head

GB

Gallbladder Meridian

足少阳胆经 - Zú Shàoyáng Dǎn Jīng

GB-13, or 'Benshen' (meaning 'Root of the Spirit'), is a local point located on the forehead. Its name refers to its ability to address issues related to the 'spirit' or 'shen,' a sense of mental clarity and focus.

As a local point, Benshen 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.

Benshen 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: On the forehead, 0.5 cun inside the anterior hairline, lateral to GV-24.

How to Locate:

  1. Locate your hairline in the center of your forehead
  2. Move about half a finger width to one side of center
  3. Place your finger just inside the hairline
  4. Feel for the depression lateral to the midline
  5. The point is in this depression just beside center at the hairline
Location illustration for On the forehead, 0.5 cun inside the anterior hairline, lateral to GV-24.

Primary Functions

Emotional & Mental

  • Calms the mind and spirit
  • Treats anxiety and emotional disorders
  • Improves mental stability and clarity
  • Reduces nervous tension and stress

Nervous System

  • Treats headaches and migraines
  • Calms nervous system hyperactivity
  • Improves sleep quality

Liver & Gallbladder System

  • Harmonizes liver and gallbladder qi
  • Promotes emotional balance
  • Supports decision-making clarity

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Headache
  • Epilepsy
  • Dizziness
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Mental restlessness
  • Frontal headache
  • Emotional instability

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

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

GB-13 Protocols

N/A