Shentang BL44: Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications

Nomenclature:

Shen: mid            Tang: hall
The heart houses the mind. Shentang is at the level of Xinshu (BL15), like a hall in which the mind housed.
Point: BL44
Chinese Name: 神堂
Name: Shentang
English Name/Meaning: Hall of the Spirit
Pinyin: shén táng
Han Geul 한글: sin dang 신당
Romaji: shin dō?
Vietnamese:Thần đường

Location:

3 cun lateral to Shendao (GV 11), at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra, on the spinal border of the scapula.

Functions of Shentang:

• Relaxes the chest and regulates the Qi.
• Relaxes the sinew and invigorates the collaterals.
• Calms the shen (spirit).

Indications:

• Asthma, cardiac pain, stuffy chest, cough, stiffness, and pain of the neck.
• Depression, Insomnia, Anxiety, Sadness, distress, concern.

Method:

Oblique insertion towards lateral 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

Precautions:

Deep perpendicular or needling in a wrong direction carries a substantial risk of causing a pneumothorax.