Ghost Points, A Classic Approach to Modern Day Health
Halloween is often associated with the eerie and the otherworldly. Acupuncture also has a mystical aspect known as the 13 Ghost Points. These points are a set of 13 specific acupuncture points that were introduced by Sun Si-Miao, a renowned acupuncturist and herbalist during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The Ghost Points are considered capable of treating emotional and mental health issues arising from the possession of gui or ghosts. A "gui possession" was a way for Sun Si-Miao to explain neurological or psychological symptoms such as mania, seizures, paralysis, or nightmares.
One explanation for gui is the concept of phlegm, which can be the physical production of mucus in the body (substantial phlegm) or insubstantial phlegm that "blocks the Heart." and leads to mental and emotional conditions. Insubstantial phlegm refers to a thin pathological fluids that accumulates in the acupuncture meridians and spreads to various body parts such as the Heart and brain, lymph nodes, and limbs. Insubstantial phlegm can lead to dizziness or loss of consciousness, nodules and swellings, and numbness.
In modern times, gui refers to anything that has an overwhelming hold on us - tangible or intangible. Ghost Points are still clinically relevant and are used to calm the mind and create a sense of clarity. They enable us to move beyond something that still "haunts" us through cultivating a sense of safety and groundedness. Ghost Points manage the symptoms of mental and neurological disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, mania, heartbreak, hallucinations, paranoia, addiction, seizures, paralysis, headaches, nightmares, or any time we feel unlike ourselves.
Yintang, 'Hall of Impression,' is a commonly used acupuncture point and Ghost Point to help patients achieve a sense of calmness, mental clarity, and grounding. It is located between the eyebrows, also known as the third eye chakra. This point not only has a calming effect on the mind and spirit but also helps manage physiological symptoms such as headaches, sinus congestion, insomnia, and general pain.
Another Ghost Point, Pericardium 7, 'Great Mound,' is located inside the center of the wrist. As a Ghost Point, it aids in bringing buried memories and thoughts out of the mind, such as a haunting of the past. Its more common use is to ease anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and heart palpitations.
Photo Credit: Dan Perales
In modern clinics, Ghost points are highly effective for nourishing the body and mind that still bear the burden of past stress and trauma. As a practitioner of classical Chinese medicine, I am especially interested in treating psycho-emotional conditions and distress of the Heart and Spirit. In this holistic approach, emotions are considered the root cause of all disease patterns.
If you would like more information on how acupuncture can benefit the mind, body, and spirit for conditions related to emotions, neurology, mental health, or spiritual health, contact Dr. Jen.
Happy Halloween!