Directing Vessel

Shimen REN-5

Chinese: 石门

Pinyin: Shí Mén

Location

On the midline of the abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus. 

How to locate

On the midline of the lower abdomen, divide the distance between the umbilicus and the upper border of the pubic symphysis into 5 cun. Shimen REN-5 is located 2 cun below umbilicus and 3 cun above the upper border of the pubic symphysis. 

Main actions

  1. Opens and benefits the water passage
  2. Regulates the Qi and Blood in Lower Burner
  3. Regulates the Uterus
  4. Strengthens the Original Qi

Indications

Fatigue Diarrhea Dark Urine Vulva swollen Shan disorder Heavy periods Swelling penis Umbilical pain Abdominal mass Lochia retention Urinary retention Painful urination Genitalia itching Oedema of abdomen Urinary difficulty Testicle retraction Lower abdominal pain Red and swelling scrotum

Needling

Vertically 0.5-1 cun. 

Caution: Contraindicated to apply during pregnancy. Deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity.

Commentary for Shimen REN-5

The 'men' in the name 'Shimen' means 'Gate' or 'Door' in Chinesee, which indicates its function of letting Qi enter or exit out of the Directing Vessel and all cavities of the body. 

Also, through the system of the Triple Burner,  the Original Qi (Yuan Qi) is spread  to all Zang Fu Organs from the space between the Kidneys. Shimen REN-5 is the Front Collecting-Mu point of the Triple Burner, so that it helps to circulate Qi, especially the Original Qi, to all Organs and Channels across the body.

Therefore, this point can be used to strengthen the Original Qi, particularly for these with a poor constitution and Kidney Deficiency. It can treat diseases or symptoms such as lower abdomen pain, Shan disorder (Hernial and Genitourinary disorders), umbilical pain, retraction of testicles or Running Piglet Syndrome. 

Shimen REN-5 can also be stimulated to open and benefit water passages by transforming and excreting Body Fluids. It is also one of the functions of the Triple Burner, especially the Lower Burner. Therefore, it can be used to treat abdomen Oedema, urinary retention, urinary difficulty, vaginal discharge or diarrhoea.

Thanks to its water passage controlling effect, it is used to treat menstrual issues such as persistent lochia discharge, abdominal masses, heavy periods, stone-like hardness of lower abdomen. It is particularly the case if there is Dampness in the Lower Burner or Phlegm in the Uterus. 

If there is no Dampness or Phlegm, Guanyuan REN-4 is rather used to treat menstrual disorders.