Benshen Point (GB-13 / Root Spirit)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Benshen (GB-13 / Root Spirit). Learn its benefits for headache, dizziness, stiff neck, epilepsy, and stroke – the meeting point of Gallbladder and Yang Wei – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache (frontal headache, migraine), dizziness, stiff painful neck, epilepsy, infantile convulsions, and stroke with coma.
Precise Location
On the head, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline, 3 cun lateral to the midline (Shenting, GV-24).
Location Method
Sit upright – the point is 0.5 cun above the hairline directly above the outer canthus, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore sensation.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Benshen with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat headache and dizziness. Therapeutic actions: Clears the head and brightens the eyes, disperses wind and relieves pain, calms the heart and settles the spirit, and calms fright and stops dizziness.
Compatibility
Headache and dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3). Stiff painful neck: Combine with Tianzhu (BL-10) and Houxi (SI-3). Epilepsy and infantile convulsions: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40). Stroke with coma: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Neiguan (PC-6), and Yongquan (KI-1).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang Wei Vessel. It clears the head and brightens the eyes, disperses wind and relieves pain, calms the heart and settles the spirit, and calms fright and stops dizziness. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Ben" means root or origin; "Shen" refers to the spirit and mind. Located on the head, this point is the root of the spirit – hence the name Benshen (Root Spirit).
