Translating "承靈", acupuncture point GB-18
The reasoning for translating "承靈" as "Informed by the Spirit" from Chinese into English. This is the original name of acupuncture point GB-18 (Gall Bladder 18).
Explanation of the point name
This point makes ones mind be informed by ones Ling spirit.
1st character
Point names with 承
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
| ST-1 | 承泣 | Accept the Tears |
| ST-20 | 承滿 | Receiving Enough |
| BL-6 | 承光 | Receiving Light |
| BL-36 | 承扶 | Receiving Help |
| BL-56 | 承筋 | Supporting Muscles |
| BL-57 | 承山 | Supporting the Mountain |
| GB-18 | 承靈 | Informed by the Spirit |
| REN-24 | 承漿 | Fluid Receptacle |
2nd character
Meaning
靈 is the Ling spirit, the Yin aspect of the Heart (the Shen is the Yang aspect).
The concept of the Ling can be found in the Daodejing, chapter 39:
神得一以靈 … 神無以靈，將恐歇；
The Shen attains oneness through the Ling … Shen without Ling brings fearful withering away.
The author sees Ling as either 'being oneself' or the 'divine aspect of oneself', depending on the perspective.
Point names with 靈
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
| HT-2 | 青靈 | Blue-Green Spirit |
| HT-4 | 靈道 | Spirit's Path |
| KI-24 | 靈墟 | Spiritual Wasteland |
| GB-18 | 承靈 | Informed by the Spirit |
| DU-10 | 靈臺 | Spirit Tower |
Nearby points
Sometimes the names of consecutive points on a meridian are related. Being aware of nearby points can help to translate consistently in such a situation.
| GB-15 | 頭臨泣 | Near to Tears in the Hair |
| GB-16 | 目窗 | See through the Window |
| GB-17 | 正營 | Upright Conduct |
| GB-18 | 承靈 | Informed by the Spirit |
| GB-19 | 腦空 | Brain Hollow |
| GB-20 | 風池 | Windy Pond |
| GB-21 | 肩井 | Shoulder Well |