Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-13
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Forehead
Location
0.5 cun within the hairline of the forehead, at the junction of the medial two-third and lateral third of the distance from Shenting DU-24 to Touwei ST-8.
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind
- Gathers the Essence to the Brain
- Subdues Liver Yang Rising
- Expels Wind
- Resolves Phlegm
Indications
Commentary
Benshen GB-13 is a major point indicated for mental and emotional disorders, especially for these have unreasonable jealousy or suspicion feeling.
It has a powerful calming effect on anxiety, worry or fear. The result can be strengthened if combined with Shenting DU-24.
Its name 'Root of the Mind' indicates its function of 'gathering the Essence to the Brain', which is the root of a clear Mind and healthy emotion. The Kidney Essence is the root of Pre-Heaven Qi and the source of Marrow that fills the Brain. This point can be stimulated to connect the Kidney Essence to the Mind. It is often used to treat depression.
On the other hand, it is able to subdues Liver Yang Rising, characterized by chronic headaches or dizziness. Liver Yang may also trigger Interior Wind and cause other symptoms such as Wind-stroke, epilepsy, hemiplegia and convulsions.
Finally it resolves Phlegm that blocks the Mind's orifices.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经) - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion:
"Root Spirit (Ben Shen, GB-13) is a meeting point of the Foot Shaoyang and the Yang Linking Vessel (Yang Wei Mai)."
Great Dictionary of Acupuncture (Zhen Jiu Da Ci Dian):
States that this point "makes the Mind (Shen) return to its root," reflecting its action of gathering Essence to nourish and stabilize the Spirit.
Explanation of the Acupuncture Points (Jing Xue Jie) by Yue Han Zhen (1654):
"The indications of GB-13 show that it eliminates the three pathogenic factors of Wind, Fire and Phlegm from the Lesser Yang, in which cases this point should be reduced."
An Enquiry into Chinese Acupuncture (Zhong Guo Zhen Jiu Qiu Zhen):
Lists among the indications of this point: "excessive menstrual bleeding, impotence and seminal emissions," demonstrating its connection to Kidney Essence.
How to Locate
First locate Shenting DU-24 on the midline and 0.5 cun inferior to the anterior hairline. Benshen GB-13 is located on the same level to the anterior hairline, but 3 cun lateral to the midline. Or: Draw an imaginary line between Shenting DU-24 and Touwei ST-8. Divide the line into three and locate Benshen GB-13 two third of the distance from DU-24.
Caution
This point is located on the skull with thin tissue coverage. Only transverse (subcutaneous) needling is appropriate—perpendicular insertion risks periosteum damage and is painful. In patients with thin scalp tissue or palpable fontanelle anomalies, extra caution is needed. Avoid aggressive stimulation techniques. When treating mental-emotional conditions, use gentle manipulation as strong reduction may temporarily aggravate symptoms in sensitive patients.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun transversely towards the occiput.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or tingling sensation at the forehead. Deqi may radiate along the scalp toward the temporal region. Some patients experience a sensation of mental clarity or lightness in the head. Due to the thin tissue layer over the skull, sensation is typically mild and localized.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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