Sundance Acupuncture

Herb & Acupuncture Database

(This is my own personal database of teachers, teachings and notes that I use in my practice. I’ve decided to share it freely with anyone who would like to reference it.)

DU-10 Lingtai - Spirit Tower

More Spirit Names: Supernatural Tower

English:	Spirit Tower
Also Known As:	Spirit's Platform Supernatural Tower

Location

Located between the spinous processes of the sixth and seventh vertebrae.
On the midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra.

Needling

Slanted insertion, pointed slightly upward, 0.5 to 1 cun. Sensation: distention and soreness sometimes extending to the lower back or chest.
Oblique superior insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
Caution: the spinal cord lies 1.25 to 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body type.
Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

Actions

Alleviates cough and wheezing
Clears Heat
Detoxifies poison
Strengthens the Heart and Mind

Indications

Asthma
Bronchitis
Round worms in the bile duct
Malaria
Boils
Stomach ache
Neck rigidity
Upper back pain
Wind-Cold chronic cough
Clove sores

Hot or Cold common cold
Stiffness of the neck
Soreness along the spine
Prolonged cough and asthma
Hot condition in the Spleen
Carbuncles
Furuncles
Dyspnea
Steaming b-ne taxation consumption
Lymphangitis

Combinations

GB-34 Yanglingquan	DU-13 Taodao PC-6 Neiguan	DU-12 Shenzhu PC-4 Ximen LI-4 Hegu UB-40 Weizhong
Round worms in the bile duct	Tertian malaria	Furuncles

Contraindications

According to several classical texts, needling this point is contraindicated.

Notes

Considered an empirical point for boils.

Five Elements Spirit Perspective

Spirit of the Point	Spirit Tower is just behind the Heart on the back, the name of an actual tower in the Forbidden City, elevated, where the Emperor would go to receive guidance, the Shen from above. It is a prayer to receive from above. An emperor built such a tower to survey all his territory, and this point gives perspective and penetrating insight to the Heart. It can bring a sense of unity and reconnect a person with spirit and with the true unfolding of their life. In Daoism this name refers to the Heart. In an old tale the people flocked to a sage-king like children and built his spirit tower in a single day, rejoicing in the work because he let them share in his pleasure. Another tale tells of a sad governor whose view was blocked by the trees round his home, who built a tower to see his kingdom.
Worsley	Location: On the back midline, in the dip between the T6 and T7 spinous processes. Needle depth: Do not needle Moxa: 3-7 cones
When to Consider	When the spade work is done and the person is now prepared to release past-life stuff and go forward When someone needs perspective When someone has confusion When the person needs a feeling of unity When the spirit looks lifeless and the patient refuses to see, to hear or to go on living When a person is really stuck; it raises them over the situation so they can see it When the person cannot be reached, the energy is not moving, or there is little or no pulse change For weakness, when other treatments don't seem to hold; it takes the person up the tower to see for themselves
Combinations	DU-11 Spirit Path with DU-10: to quiet the Heart and sedate any tendency toward mania
Notes	Don't do it too early; it can come as the icing on the cake Like the ST-36 of the Governor Vessel, strengthening Heart and mind Something like an ESP point, as if giving the person eyes at the back of their head Don't use it on someone who is 'out to lunch' Strengthens the spirit so it can direct body and mind Some teach that it is not to be needled; it is rarely used Can be moxaed and needled: not something to fear, only to be careful with Sits like a raised platform a vertebra beneath the spot where the Spirit shines out of the Heart; related points are DU-11, UB-15 and UB-44

For educational reference only; not a substitute for care from a qualified practitioner.