Si Shen Cong – Acupuncture

Si Shen Cong, translated as four spirit wisdom, is a set of four acupuncture points that belong to a group of points, called “Extraordinary Points.” It is located on the top of the head (vertex) and surround DU20, approximately 1 inch respectively posterior, anterior, and lateral.

As the name might suggest, Si Shen Cong has a strong stimulating effect on all aspects of the shen or spirit. Depending on how the needles are placed, it can have a tonifying/strengthening or sedating effect. If needled towards DU20, it is strengthening. If needled away from DU20, it is sedating. It can dispel wind to treat epilepsy, vertigo, and headache. It also can calm the spirit and clear the mind to help with insomnia and improve memory. It is a great point for students when they are studying for exams! In addition, Si Shen Cong can be used with non-needle methods for children with poor development, mental retardation, ADHD.

In 2007, there was a study done to evaluate the effects of acupuncture at Si Shen Cong on physiological functions in the sleep disorder in a group of mice. While they found that both Si Shen Cong and ST36 (Zu San Li) could increase NOS (nitrous oxide synthase) activity and NO (nitric oxide) content in the brain, acupuncture at Si Shen Cong was significantly better at raising NOS activity and NO levels than ST36. The study concluded that acupuncture at Si Shen Cong treats insomnia and regulates sleep and many mental and nervous symptoms, which are carries out partially through increasing NOS activity and NO content, promoting normal function of brain tissues. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Sep;27(9):681-3.