Lingtai Point (GV-10 / Spirit Terrace, also known as Feidi)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Lingtai (GV-10 / Spirit Terrace). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, back pain, and skin infections – the Governor Vessel point for clearing lung heat – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Furuncles and carbuncles, cough, wheezing, stiff painful neck, back pain, chest and hypochondriac pain, fever, and spinal and back stiffness with pain.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, in the depression below the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra, on the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the intersection of the line connecting the inferior angles of both scapulae with the posterior midline (approximately at the 7th thoracic vertebra), then count upward 1 vertebra to the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra – the point is in the depression below this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Lingtai with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat cough and wheezing. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and expels pathogens, disperses lung qi and stops cough, relieves wheezing and regulates qi, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zhigou (TE-6). Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Tiantu (RN-22). Stiff painful neck and back pain: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Tianzhu (BL-10), and Houxi (SI-3). Furuncles and carbuncles: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Quchi (LI-11). Spinal and back stiffness with pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It clears heat and expels pathogens, disperses lung qi and stops cough, relieves wheezing and regulates qi, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating lung-related and back disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Ling" refers to the spirit or heart; "Tai" means terrace or platform. Located on the back, this point internally corresponds to the heart, serving as the terrace where the spirit resides – hence the name Lingtai (Spirit Terrace). It is also known as "Feidi."
