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 'having control' (not being powerless) 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 |