When it comes to powerful acupoints, Great Mound (Da Ling, PC6) deserves recognition. Situated on the Pericardium meridian, Da Ling has an impressive list of potential benefits. You can find it at the midpoint of the inner wrist crease, between the two prominent tendons that appear when you slightly flex your wrist.
In the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Da Ling can help treat a variety of issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, bad breath, heel pain, and even epilepsy. While this might seem far-fetched from a conventional medical perspective, TCM often links seemingly unrelated conditions to similar internal imbalances, making Da Ling remarkable.
Rooted in Tradition: A Point for the Heart and Mind
Da Ling is first mentioned in the “Ling Shu,” one of the foundational texts of traditional Chinese medicine regarding acupuncture. It is classified as a Shu-Stream point, known for clearing energetic stagnation from the meridians (energy pathways). You can think of stagnation as a traffic jam of qi (vital energy) and blood. When the flow is obstructed, symptoms can arise. Da Ling helps restore movement along the Pericardium meridian.
The Da Ling acupoint also has deep emotional significance as one of the “13 ghost points.” This ancient designation is described in the classic text, “Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand in Gold for Emergencies.” Traditionally, these ghost points were used to treat severe mental and emotional disorders. In TCM, the heart is considered the seat of joy, and Da Ling’s connection to this channel makes it a prime choice for addressing emotional disturbances such as anxiety, depression, and even night terrors.
A Multitasker for Modern Ailments
In practice, Da Ling is often used to address issues that may seem unrelated—unless viewed through the lens of TCM. For example, bad breath can arise from the stomach’s inability to properly circulate nutrients through the blood. Da Ling helps to correct this blood stagnation in the middle of the body, allowing for better management of bad breath or a persistent bitter taste in the mouth.
In cases of epilepsy, some practitioners use Da Ling to support the body during or after a seizure, helping to calm the nervous system and stabilize the mind.
Experiencing heel pain? According to TCM principles of mirroring, acupressure points on the hand can effectively treat foot conditions. Applying pressure to Da Ling may help alleviate discomfort at the opposite end of the body. Additionally, its location makes it a suitable choice for treating wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, which are increasingly common in today’s device-driven world.
What Research Says
Recent studies back up Da Ling’s relevance in clinical settings. A systematic review of studies on plantar heel pain found that acupuncture protocols that included Da Ling led to pain relief and improved function.
Another large-scale analysis looked at acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome. By sifting through 142 studies, researchers identified Da Ling as one of the top five most-used points for carpal tunnel syndrome. Data also showed that upper limb acupoints, especially those on the Pericardium meridian, were favored for treating nerve compression issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
How to Locate and Activate Da Ling
Da Ling is easy to locate. Start by slightly flexing your wrist and look for the midpoint of the crease on the inner side of your wrist. Da Ling is situated between the two prominent tendons: the palmaris longus and the flexor carpi radialis. Gently press around this area to identify the sore or tender point. Experiencing these sensations indicates that you have found the acupoint.
To activate Da Ling:
- Press and hold: Press down firmly for three to five seconds, then release for three seconds. Repeat for up to three minutes on each side.
- Massage: Use your thumb or index finger to massage the area in circles for one to three minutes per side.
- Herbal Patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for a longer-lasting effect.
- To achieve deeper activation, see a TCM professional for acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort).
Precautions
While acupressure is generally safe, it is advisable to avoid manually stimulating Da Ling if you have any injuries in your wrist area. If you use herbal patches, avoid those containing artificial or irritating ingredients, especially if your skin is prone to reactions.
Why Da Ling Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you’re dealing with a cranky wrist, unexplained heel pain, or a low mood that seems to linger, Da Ling offers a versatile solution. It’s accessible, easy to stimulate, and packed with therapeutic potential. Like many points on the Pericardium meridian, it helps keep the heart and mind in balance, and its ability to clear stagnation gives it wide-reaching benefits. Add Da Ling to your routine—you might be surprised by how much it does.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 30 Apr 2025
