It’s hard to relax when persistent thoughts keep buzzing in your mind. If overthinking has taken over your day, the Spirit Receiver acupoint (Cheng Ling, GB18) might offer a few moments of mindful connection with your body and, perhaps, relief from obsessive thoughts.
Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this acupoint has long been associated with both physical and mental well-being. Stimulating Cheng Ling can support mental clarity and calmness.
A Link Between Traditional Healing and Modern Science
The Cheng Ling acupoint was first documented in the classical TCM text “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (The Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion),” an ancient acupuncture manual. Traditionally, it has been used to treat headaches, dizziness, nasal congestion, and nosebleeds due to its location on the head.
However, in TCM, the body and mind are inseparable, and acupoints often have effects beyond relieving physical ailments. Cheng Ling is believed to help ease obsessive thoughts, calm the mind, and foster open-mindedness—qualities essential for mental well-being.
Modern research suggests that acupuncture on the head, including at Cheng Ling, may influence brain function.
A study comparing scalp and upper and lower limb acupuncture found that scalp acupuncture led to greater activation in brain regions associated with sensory processing and cognition. This suggests that scalp acupoints may have a more direct effect on brain activity.
Another study on patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage showed that scalp acupuncture combined with conventional treatment resulted in significantly better neurological function recovery without adverse effects.
Research on pseudobulbar paralysis, a neurological condition characterized by difficulty speaking, swallowing, and facial muscle weakness, found that combining scalp and body acupuncture dramatically improved recovery rates compared to Western medicine alone, possibly due to improved blood flow in the brain.
These findings suggest that stimulating acupoints on the head, including at Cheng Ling, can support brain health and potentially contribute to mental clarity and emotional balance.
How to Locate and Stimulate Cheng Ling
To locate Cheng Ling, stand or sit upright and look straight ahead. From the center of your pupils, trace an imaginary vertical line upward toward the top of your head. About five finger-breadths into the hairline, you’ll find a sensitive spot. It should be approximately three finger-breadths away from the midline of your head on either side. If you feel slight soreness when pressing, you’ve found Cheng Ling.
There are three ways to stimulate Cheng Ling:
- Pressing Method: Use your thumb or index finger to apply firm pressure for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular Massage: Use your index, middle, and ring fingers (or just your thumb) to massage Cheng Ling in small circles for one to three minutes per side.
- Acupuncture or Moxibustion: A trained TCM practitioner can enhance the effects of Cheng Ling with acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort). If using moxibustion, caution is necessary to avoid burning hair.
Important Considerations Before Stimulating Cheng Ling
- Avoid if Injured: If you have an injury, wound, or inflammation in the area, do not stimulate Cheng Ling.
- Sensations May Vary: A stronger sensation upon pressing could indicate blockages in the flow of blood and vital energy (qi) in the area. If you experience frequent headaches, nasal issues, or nosebleeds, expect a more pronounced response.
Taking a Moment for Yourself
Whether you turn to acupressure for clearing energetic blockages, enhancing circulation, or simply creating moments of stillness in your day, Cheng Ling offers a way to nurture physical and mental health. A few minutes of mindful self-care can help you refocus on what’s most important—your well-being. Consider giving this acupoint a try and notice how your body responds—it just might be the reset your mind needs.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 6 Mar 2025
