Introduction to George Soulié de Morant

Introduction to George Soulié de Morant

When I began my work on vestibular and primitive reflex training, I found it perplexing that, given the significance of cranial nerves and their influence on the autonomic nervous system, particularly their presence in the brainstem and cervical spine, there were no acupuncture points between GV 14 and GV 15. This seemed illogical, given the extensive knowledge and depth of our medicine.

As an integrative acupuncturist working closely with physical therapists and chiropractors, neck work is a fundamental part of my treatment for every patient. Whether it involves needling the paraspinals or other neck points, addressing spasticity and tension in the neck is a root treatment for all clients. Most points are technically ashi or empirical points without specific names. In the early days, I had more faith in chiropractic care than in acupuncture to resolve a subluxation, but over time, as my skill set improved, treating the cervical spine became part of every treatment, and there is rarely the need to refer out anymore.

Given their importance, the lack of information on cervical spine points didn't make sense. I don’t want to speculate about discrepancies between sources, but it's important to remember that this knowledge was traditionally passed down orally. The current iteration of Oriental medicine, TCM, was synthesized during a period of medical modernization in China. Other countries did not undergo this process, which brought, for the first time, much-needed uniformity to Oriental medicine, but perhaps at a cost. To effectively treat spasticity and sympathetic dominance, and to restore parasympathetic function, we need to recover this knowledge of cervical points, and integrate it with our modern understanding. George Soulié de Morant is a valuable source for this information.

George Soulié de Morant: An Introduction

George Soulié de Morant was a French diplomat and sinologist who played an influential role in introducing traditional Chinese medicine to the Western world. Initially aspiring to train as a medical doctor, he instead entered the diplomatic corps. As a fluent speaker of Chinese, Soulié de Morant had privileged access to information that others did not have. His unique position allowed him to gather extensive knowledge on traditional Chinese medicine, which he meticulously documented and shared with the Western world. In his book, L'Acupuncture Chinoise, he provides exhaustive research including polarity, biochemical mechanisms, and the autonomic nervous system at a level of detail previously unseen. He proudly mentions that his compendium was the first of its kind to include bony anatomical landmarks. His work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Eastern and Western medical practices, providing a deeper understanding of acupuncture and its physiological effects.

As we delve deeper into a neurologically informed approach to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it becomes beneficial to understand why considering such an approach is relevant. George Soulié de Morant identified several discrepancies between what he was taught and the developing International Standard (IS) used today. A significant difference lies in his placement of points along the vertebrae, specifically the ren mai and the du mai. While the IS typically designates a single point in the middle of each vertebra, Soulié de Morant references parallel points situated under each transverse process, with a sagittal qi dynamic. This distinction is particularly relevant when considering the anatomy of the paraspinals and the multifidus muscles, and how the demonstration of primitive reflexes affects them systemically. By including anatomy trains and fascia physiology, we can begin to use TCM with greater awareness.

Introduction of Cervical Spine Points

I have cross-referenced Soulié de Morant’s notes with modern neurology and added information on innervation, cranial nerves, and reflexes where possible. This integration not only preserves the historical insights but also aligns them with contemporary medical understanding, providing a comprehensive framework for effectively treating conditions related to the cervical spine.

  GV 11 (IS GV 12) - Shenzhu 神道 (Pillar of the Body)

• Location: Back median line, at the level of the superior interior angle of the scapula. Lower edge of the third dorsal vertebra (spinous process). Between the fourth and third vertebrae. In the angle between the lower edge of the vertebra and the lateral edge of the median tendon.
• When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, brain, spinal cord, heart, and triple warmer. Brain, spinal cord, nerves: problems, or weaknesses. Hostility, phobias, hatred, wants to hurt to the point of tears. Delerium from fever, hallucinations. Fits from overexcitation. Fear at night. (GSM)
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Affects the brain and spinal cord, addressing issues like weakness, hostility, phobias, hallucinations, and delirium from fever.
• Cranial Nerves: Influences spinal nerves and potentially cranial nerves in the upper thoracic region.
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Not specifically mentioned.

  GV 11a [Unnamed] third thoracic vertebrae

• Location: Back median line at the level of the third thoracic vertebra.
• When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, sense organs, temporoparietal lobes.
• Direct effects: Eye (vision), ear (hearing), taste-smell, back of the throat, tongue, nose. Responds with ST39. (GSM)
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Temporoparietal lobes, affecting sensory processing and integration.
• Cranial Nerves: Cranial nerves involved in sensory processing, particularly related to the ears, eyes, nose, and tongue.
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Not specifically mentioned.

  GV 12 tao dao (IS GV 13 by name) –(Way of the Ovens)

• Location: Upper back midline, on the lower edge of the second thoracic vertebra (spinous process). Between the second and third vertebrae and the lateral edge of the median tendon.
• When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, heart, medulla oblongata, spinal cord, lung, upper limb, nerve, teeth, throat, thyroid, eyes, palm, bladder.
• Disperses the gallbladder.
• “Exhausted from physical or mental effort; melancholy, timidity, searches for solitude and obscurity, loss of voice, hoarseness, short breath, needs alcohol and coffee; delusions without joy; repression and brooding over worries; insomnia from nervous debility.”  (GSM)
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Affects the medulla oblongata and spinal cord, crucial for autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and reflex actions.
• Cranial Nerves: Influences cranial nerves IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus), and XI (Accessory) as they pass through the medulla.
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Influences the thyroid gland.

  GV 13 Bailao (IS taodao by location, IS GV 14 by name) -hundred fatigues Taodao

• Location: Top of the back midline, between the second and first thoracic vertebrae ((the seventh cervical vertebra being the first which is prominent))  In the angle between the median tendon and the deep edge of the thoracic vertebra. Two points separated by the median tendon each one commanding its side of the body.
• When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel (deep level of the pulse), all yang and yin meridians, conception vessel, opposite part of the brain, posterior upper limb, lateral lower limb, opposite eye, ear, same side nape.
• Direct Effects:  Strength exhausted, energy finished, sweats from emptiness, exhaustion, prostration, weakness, vertigo, back pain. Melancholy, apprehension, neurasthenia. Spinal cord: all trouble, degeneration of the spinal cord, spasms and weakness, ascending paralysis, false sclerosis.
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Affects the spinal cord and brain, particularly beneficial for conditions like spinal degeneration, paralysis, and severe nervous system disorders.
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Not specifically mentioned.

  GV 13a (IS Dazhui GV 14) - Dazhui – C7 Pituitary

• Location: Lower nape, midline: between C7 and Tl; in the angle between the lower edge of C7 (the seventh cervical vertebra is the first very prominent vertebra) and either edge of the median tendon. Two points; in a hollow.
• When tonified: Tonifies the pituitary (deficiency), its thirteen hormones, vagus, adrenals, thyroids, parathyroids, kidneys, lungs, three nervous centers, testicles, ovaries.
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Influences C7 and the pituitary gland and vagus nerve, which are crucial for overall hormonal balance and autonomic regulation.
• Cranial Nerves: Influences cranial nerve X (Vagus) and other cranial nerves related to autonomic functions.
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Affects the pituitary gland, adrenals, thyroids, parathyroids, and reproductive organs.

  GV 13b [Unnamed] C6-parathyroid

• Location: Lower nape midline, between C6 and C7; lower edge of C6; two points in the angle at either edge of the median tendon; in a hollow.
• When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, small intestine, parasympathetic adrenals (adrenalin), liver, median nerve (thumb, index finger, middle finger), calcium. Disperses the thyroid, all yang, phosphorus (GSM)
• It is tonified by small doses of vitamin D (liver -), pituitary, triple warmer (vitamin D is cholesterol that has been transformed into ergosterol by the sun and stored in the liver). It is dispersed by large doses of vitamin D (liver +); pituitary insufficiency; triple warmer insufficiency; excess proteins, oxalates or citrates in the blood
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Affects the parasympathetic system and median nerve, impacting autonomic functions and upper limb sensation/movement.
• Cranial Nerves: Influences cranial nerves related to autonomic and sensory functions.
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Influences the adrenal glands and calcium metabolism.

GV-13c [un-named] - CS-thyroid

·         Location:  Nape, midline: between C5 and C6, on the lower edge of C5; in the angle on either side of the median tendon; two points. One large PW above C6-parathyroid (CV- 13b); one under yamen (GV- 14, IS GV- 15).

·         When tonified: Tonifies (opposite side) thyroid, radial nerves (extensors, supinators); sympathetic system, pituitary, adrenals, governor vessel, small intestine, heart.

·         Dispersing acts in the opposite way.

·         Tonified by the pituitary (thyrotropin), parasympathetic. Dispersed by the adrenals, sympathetic, parathyroids, insufficient iodine, zinc. Its thyroxin stimulates all the cells (also the cerebral cells), the basal metabolism, phagocytosis and the metabolism of fats and proteins.

  GV 14 (IS GV 15) – Yamen (Gate of Muteness)

• Location: Nape midline, between the fourth and third cervical vertebrae on the lower edge of the third vertebra. In the angle of the median tendon. Two points separated by the tendon.
• When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, spinal cord, temporoparietal lobes, fingers and toes, oblique muscles, transverse muscles, nose, larynx, tongue, back of the throat.
• Direct effects: Speech (temporoparietal lobes) and tongue; spinal cord, four limbs. Abundant energy in the upper body, all yang heat ? Constant headaches; pain at the occiput; incessant nosebleed
• Direct effects: Speech (temporoparietal lobes) and tongue; spinal cord, four limbs. Abundant energy in the upper body, all yang heat ? Constant headaches; pain at the occiput; incessant nosebleed
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Influences the temporoparietal lobes, affecting speech, motor function, and sensory processing.
• Cranial Nerves: Cranial nerves IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus), XI (Accessory).
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Not specifically mentioned.

  GV 15 (IS GV 16) - Fengfu (Palace of Wind)

• Location: Nape midline, between the third and second cervical vertebrae. On the lower edge of the second vertebra. Two points in the angle on the lateral edge of the medial tendon.
• When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, adrenals, anterior and central brain (vagus), cervical muscles, all yang producer meridians, lower limbs. Disperses all yin distributor meridians, pancreas. Dispersing acts in the opposite way
• Direct effects: (Yin-yang, adrenals, pancreas; fever, flu, posterior surface of the arm and leg). All mental troubles: desires to commit suicide; darting eyes; escapades (walks blindly without direction). All sorts of fever. Influenza (shivering, perspiration, fever, heat or cold, headaches, exhausted body). Harmonizes yin and yang; hypertension: disperse; hypotension: tonify; nosebleeds, apoplexy. Cerebral edema (pain and stiffness of the nape and occiput, headache, vertigo); throat: all trouble - pain or swelling, paralysis, energy going towards the heart.
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Affects the vagus nerve and anterior brain, crucial for autonomic functions and higher cognitive processing.
• Cranial Nerves: Cranial nerves IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus), XI (Accessory).
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Influences the adrenal glands.

 

 Gv-16 naohu (IS GV-17 by name, IS GV-15 by location) - little brain barrier

·         Location: Nape midline, one large FW under the skull; between the first and second cervical vertebrae; two points in the angle between the lateral edge of the medial tendon and the lower edge of the first vertebra (hardly perceptible); in a hollow.

·         When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, stomach, cerebellum, bladder, upper cheek same side, tonsils, lateral part of the eye same side, middle and internal ear, joints opposite side. Disperses the vessels and genital system.(vagus)

·         Direct effects: Insomnia before midnight; extreme agitation; congestive headache, red face; cerebral congestion. Eye, rheumatic iritis: swollen eyelids; orbits? Ear: inflammation of the internal ear. Teeth: seem long and loose, particularly upper. Swelling and with pain: of the head, eyelids, nipples, vulva (with pruritis); of the fingers, feet at night; tumors. Pains aggravated at night, in the evening, in the bed, from rest.

• Neurology and Brain Centers: Influences the cerebellum, crucial for motor control, balance, and coordination.
• Cranial Nerves: Cranial nerves IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus), XI (Accessory).
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Not specifically mentioned.

  GV-17 qiangjian (IS ~~-18 by name, IS GV-16fengfu by location) - stiff interval

·         Location: Nape midline, in the angle between the lower edge of the cranium and the lateral edge of the medial tendon; two points separated by the median tendon.

·         When tonified: Tonifies all the energy of the governor vessel, medulla oblongata, superior occipital lobe, primate, inner ear, fallopian tubes, lower part of the genital system, half-body opposite side.

·         Direct effects: Medulla oblongata (respiration, deglutition, saliva, vomiting, movement of eyes and eyelids. Tonifying nearly doubles the energy potential. Insomnia; weakness of the nerves; hysteria? convulsions, convulsions of children; epilepsy, attacks without cause (convulsions, saliva, nausea), escapades (walks blindly without direction); vertigo, head spinning, headache, stiff nape, obscured vision

• Neurology and Brain Centers: Affects the medulla oblongata and superior occipital lobe, vital for autonomic functions, vision, and coordination.
• Cranial Nerves: Cranial nerves IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus), XI (Accessory).
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Not specifically mentioned.

  GV-18 houding (IS GV-19) - posterior summit of the head

• Location: Posterior top of the skull midline, two FW posterior to the occipitoparietal suture. At the upper edge of a large protuberance. Two points on either side of the vertical groove.
• When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, superior occipital lobe, primate, face (eye along the nose, corner of the lips, chin, throat), stomach, occiput, nape, posterior part of the shoulder same side, all articulations same side.
• Direct effects: Yang heat (upper body, skin); insomnia; headache, migraine; facial neuralgia (line along the eyes, edge of the nose, comer of the lips, teeth, chin). Volume IV -Meridians, Points and Their Symptoms Hyperexcitation from attacks, insanity; cerebral congestion, Convulsions, epilepsy, ve
• Neurology and Brain Centers: Affects the superior occipital lobe, essential for vision and sensory integration.
• Cranial Nerves: Influences cranial nerves involved in vision and sensory processing.
• Anatomy Train Fascia Layer: Superficial Back Line (SBL).
• Endocrine Effects: Not specifically mentioned.

GV-19 baihui (IS GV-20) - hundred meetings

·         Location:  Head, posterior top: posterior fontanelle; midline; suture of the occiput and parietal bones. At the level of the posterior edge of two small rises; in a hollow; two points on either side of the groove. Two FW above houding (GV- 18, IS GV-19); two behind qianding (GV-20, IS GV-2 1); one large FW medial to Zuoque (BL-8).

·         When tonified: Tonifies the governor vessel, conception vessel, superior occipital lobes, primate, all yang producer meridians, anterior midbrain, parasympathetic, face (line along eye, edge of the nose, comer of the lip, teeth, throat); anus, anterior part of thigh, opposite knee. Dispersing acts in the opposite way.

·         Direct effects: Awakens a response in leg-shanglian (ST-37, IS shangjuxu). Cures all troubles, vegetal vitality, will to live; psychologically, primitive instincts, primate. Energy of the posterior brain (primate, color).

·         Insufficiency: brain and nerves overtight, weakened; strength of mind diminished from too many worries and thoughts; forgets the past and neglects the future; loss of memory; difficult, constricted speech, melancholy, anxiety; depression, deranged mind, despondency, sadness, troubles with tears at night; loss of the sense of reality; delusions; insomnia; headache; cerebral anemia with weakness. Excess: acute or chronic meningitis; hyperexcited children bending backwards; all nervous troubles; epilepsy (body bent backwards, bleating); hemiplegia? After drinking, red face, congested brain, heavy head.

·         Facial neuralgia (eyes, along the nose, comer of the mouth, first molars, throat). Upper eyelid (common occular motor nerve).

·         Facial paralysis (eyes cannot be closed: disperse; cannot be opened: tonify). Inner ear, buzzing? psychological deafness. Smell and taste (drink and food without taste).

·         Nose: all trouble, coryza (recent: disperse; old: tonify); nose blocked, headache, vertigo, flowing tears. Anus: hemorrhoids, prolapsed rectum. Testicles: attacks of swelling?

Myers, T. W. (2020). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists (4th ed.). Churchill Livingstone

Maciocia, G. (2005). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (2nd ed.). Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Soulié de Morant, G. (1994). Chinese Acupuncture (L’Acupuncture Chinoise). (Translated by L. Chamfrault & H. Byrnes). Paradigm Publications.

Stecco, C. (2015). Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System. Elsevier.

© 2025 Dr. Jennifer Moffitt, DTCM, L.Ac., CPRCS, and Classical Acupuncture Associates Inc. All rights reserved.
First published as part of the Intro to Polyvagal Acupuncture and Polyvagal Massage courses, May 2025.
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