13 Ghost Points

13 GHOST POINTS

Sun Simiao a 7th century Chinese physician, of the Sui and Tang dynasty, developed the concept of “Phlegm” as the cause of mental disorders, using the Ghost points as a treatment, and this treatment is said to transcend space and time! His incredible contribution to Chinese medicine awarded him the title of China’s King of Medicine.

In addition to the ghost points he has thirty-two drugs that are effective against demons. His focus was treating psycho-emotional illnesses. Mental health!

The definition of ghost points in modern Chinese medicine is: “points used in the treatment of mood disorders”

Usually a set of 3 Ghost points is needled in one session, think of each set as a prescription.

“The four Trinities,” plus the 3rd Eye Point:

The following are the ghost points and each trinity grouping relates to a disease progression.

In the 1st Trinity, there’s the initial build-up of “Phlegm”, characterized by the beginnings of psychological dysfunction and disorientation towards world, and also a sore throat. These points are used mainly for “Heat” and “Wind” conditions

Point Du 26 – (Ghost Palace)

“The first needle is Ren Zhong. It is called Gui Gong (Ghost Palace). Lower the needle from the left side and remove it from the right side.” -Sun Simiao

Often used for inter generational trauma, spontaneous laughing for no reason. Associated with inheritance of ancestral genetics, as well as the human legacy: Humanity. Used for inappropriate laughter or crying. Epilepsy. Fatigue.

Point Lu 11 – (Ghost Faith)

This acupuncture point is perfect, when a vow, contract, or an important agreement is broken, and anger results. Good during or after divorce, or breakup. Associated with the World (worldly affairs) Epilepsy . Sore throat. Clears Heat in channel. Jing-well point

Point SP 1 – (Eye of the Ghost)

Bleeding SP 1 is generally used for patients who have poor body image and “eating their feelings” (eating disorders). Associated with Earth (which is associated with one’s body in Chinese ancient medicine) Used for feelings of disorientation in the world. Epilepsy. Resuscitates . Jing-well point.

In the 2nd Trinity, Wind is an issue. Wind can either cause excessive movement, or paralysis. Life attitudes begin to become inflexible and rigid. People become set in their ways, or there’s a lot of indecisiveness.

Point PC 7 – (Ghost Heart) Earth of Fire

This acupuncture point is the “protector of the heart”, which makes it the perfect point to needle for those who are emotionally upset, broken hearted), after a break up. Also deals with material desires causing alternating and frequent laughing or crying, and irritability. Ghost is at the Pericardium, trying to get into Heart; this is characterized by intense cravings for material objects (Dampness and Phlegm harassing Heart,)

Point BL 62 – (Ghost Path)

Long standing childhood trauma related to sexual abuse. Anxiety and/or depression as an adult. Opening point for Yang Chiao Mai. Deals with how you walk in the world. You begin to believe the same thing and walk the same path as the Ghost. Epilepsy. Paralysis. Headache.

Point Du 16 – (Ghost Pillow) (a.k.a. Feng Fu – Warehouse of Change) Deals with flexibility and ability to adapt to change. Because of its location, Du 16 is often overlooked because it is a dangerous point, but it’s a good point for patients who resist change and are inflexible.Ghost gains access into brain. (Ghost Pillow = sleeping with Ghost.) Ridged tongue. Lock Jaw. Loss of voice. Headache

In the 3rd Trinity: This is the level at which people with alcohol or drug addictions are stuck They use drugs to get their Fire going.

Point ST 6 – (Ghost Bed)

This point is perfect for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Patients with PTSD have tendency to clench their jaw, so ST 6 acts as a jaw relaxer as well. Deals with being able to look at suffering and not ignore it. Think of the ability to “chew” the world . Lockjaw. Neurological conditions like deviation of mouth and trigeminal neuralgia. At this point, the person is fully possessed by the Ghost

Point Ren 24 – (Ghost Market)

This is a great acupuncture point for people who are always worried and are consumed by ruminating dark and negative thoughts, people who don’t smile or laugh. Deals with one’s ability to appreciate one’s own resources. At this point, the Ghost is absorbing. Wasting diseases, the body begins to get thin and to deteriorate. Body is consuming most of its water. Dark urine. Nosebleeds.

Point PC 8 – (Ghost Cave) Fire of Fire

This is a good point for patients who have lost their sense of self, are manic, have hallucinations, are anxious and are experiencing paranoia. Also deals with acknowledging your true passion in life. At this point, they begin to get paranoid. Here, the Ghost makes one become self-destructive. Fevers Sweating. Heat in nutritive Blood.

In the 4th trinity, there is no longer any communication with the outside world. Unconsciousness and coma or a catatonic state.

Point Du 23 –(Ghost Hall)

For unresponsive people who have years of phlegm misting the mind, and become catatonic, such as Alzheimer’s patients in later stages. About embracing self. Here, the Ghost has taken over . This point has access to the pituitary gland. Severe nasal congestion. Poor vision. Dizzy spells. Alzheimer’s. Phlegm is blocking the internal pathways.

Point Ren 1 – (Ghost Store)

For patients who are ashamed of their body and their sexuality, and especially for women after childbirth, who suffers from urinary incontinence and low libido, or can’t reach orgasm. About embracing self. Ghost eats up all of Yin Urinary/defecation blockage or incontinence. Menstrual issues. Prolapse This point is also used for drowning.

Point Li11 – Ghost Leg

“Clears Heat” and balances the digestive system. It’s used for patients who like to be in control, and get diarrhea or suffers from IBS when they feel out of control. Earth of Metal. Deals with the world as a reflection of the self. (you are responsible for your own emotions, your own outlook, and overall place in society) High fever . Vomiting.

With all trinity combinations:

Point Yin Tang – (3rd Eye Point)

This 13th Ghost point is controversial. In some text, extra point Gui Feng (under the tongue) is deemed a Ghost point, but because of its location, Yin Tang has been used instead in the West.

Both are used for enlightening the mind, seeking knowledge and wisdom. Both deal with Enlightenment, and also schizophrenia.

“The thirteenth needle is 1 cun in from the tip of the tongue, in the middle of the tongue on the seam below. Pierce through the tongue so that the needle emerges on the top of the tongue. It is called Ghost Seal. Take another needle, place it horizontally in the mouth between the lips, and stabilize the tip of the needle so that the tongue cannot move.” – Sun Simiao

“Withdrawal disease can manifest as deep silence or excessive reckless speaking, laughing, crying, singing, falling asleep while sitting, wanting to eat filth or excrement, running around naked or at night, manic yelling, chaotic gesturing…. For this kind of patient with withdrawal and mania, use both acupuncture and moxibustion and formulas in your treatment. Specialists in wind divination can also discern the ghost based on the wind. When the hundred evils cause illness, there are thirteen points you can needle.”
Sun Simiao

Like Hippocrates, Sun Simiao developed a code of ethics, and it was “Treat every patient as if they are a close relative!” and “Whenever a physician treats an illness, he must quiet his spirit and settle his will, he must be free of wants and desires, and he must first develop a heart full of great compassion and empathy” He considered a treatment failure to be due to a violation of the code of ethics. Indeed in treating mental health, building trust is so important before any effective treatments can begin!