Shentang Point (BL-44 / Spirit Hall)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shentang (BL-44 / Spirit Hall). Learn its benefits for heart pain, palpitations, insomnia, and shoulder pain – the hall where the spirit resides – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Heart pain, palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, shoulder and back pain, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and chest and back pain.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
At the level where the line connecting the inferior angles of the scapulae intersects with the spine (approximately the 7th thoracic vertebra), count 2 vertebrae upward to the 5th thoracic vertebra – the point is 4 finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Shentang with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat insomnia and cough. Therapeutic actions: Calms the heart and settles the spirit, soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Chest tightness: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17). Palpitations and insomnia: Combine with Xinshu (BL-15), Shenmen (HT-7), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Heart pain and chest-back pain: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Geshu (BL-17). Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Tiantu (RN-22), and Tanzhong (RN-17). Shoulder and back pain: Combine with Jianjing (GB-21) and Tianzong (SI-11).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It calms the heart and settles the spirit, soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating heart, mental, and lung disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Shen” refers to the spirit or mind; “Tang” means hall or dwelling place. Located on the back, this point is the hall where the spirit resides – hence the name Shentang (Spirit Hall).
Contraindications
Located on the back, needling should not be too deep – generally oblique needling at 0.5–0.8 cun to avoid injury to internal organs. Moxibustion is permissible.
