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ACUPUNCTURE

Ben Shen: TCM Acupoint Guide

BENSHEN
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

Ben Shen (Benshen)

Location

On the forehead, 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, three-two-thirds of the distance between DU-24 Shenting and ST-8 Touwei, 3 cun lateral to DU-24 Shenting. Note: some sources locate this point on the line directly above the outer canthus of the eye.

Needling

  • Slanted insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
  • Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1.5 cun.
  • Note: this point, in common with all points within the hairline, may be needled in any direction; the direction depends on the symptomology. They also may join to other head points.
  • Puncture subcutaneously 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

  • Meeting point with the Yang Wei channel

Actions

  • Eliminates Internal Wind
  • Resolves Phlegm
  • Treats epilepsy
  • Calms the mind
  • Gathers Jing to the head
  • Clears the brain

Indications

  • Headache
  • Vertigo
  • Visual dizziness
  • Stiffness and pain of the neck
  • Epilepsy
  • Childhood fright epilepsy
  • Windstroke
  • Deviation of the mouth and eyes
  • Schizophrenia
  • Anxiety
  • Costalgia
  • Seizures
  • Hemiplegia
  • Pain of the chest and lateral costal region with inability to turn the body
  • Vomiting of foamy saliva
  • Insomnia
  • Multiple personality disorder

Combinations

PointsIndications
DU-12 ShenzhuMadness
DU-21 Qianding, DU-22 Xinhui, UB-10 TianzhuChildhood fright epilepsy
HT-3 Shaohai, DU-27 DuiduanVomiting of foam
DU-22 XinhuiEpilepsy with vomiting of foam
SJ-19 LuxiPain of the lateral costal region with inability to turn the body
HT-5 Tongli, GB-38 YangfuUnreasonable feelings of jealousy and suspicion
DU-24 ShentingAnxiety due to constant worry and fixed thoughts
REN-4 GuanyuanAttracts Jing to the head to calm the Mind and strengthen the Will

Notes

This is a very important point for mental and emotional problems. It relieves anxiety from constant worry and fixed thoughts.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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