Directing Vessel
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REN-6
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
On the midline of the abdomen, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.
Main Actions
- Tonifies Original Qi
- Lifting sinking Qi
- Strengthens the Kidneys and tonifies Yang
- Regulates Qi and harmonies Blood
Indications
Commentary
Qihai REN-6 is one of the most important points for tonifying Yang and Qi (especially the Original Qi).Therefore, it can be used to treat symptoms such as fatigue, cold limbs, chilliness, loose stool, pale urination or even extreme physical and mental exhaustion and depression due to Qi and Yang Deficiency. The effectiveness is more obvious when applying with moxibustion than just needling.
It is also effective in lifting the Sinking or Collapsing Qi in the lower abdomen so as to treat Uterus prolapse, heavy period, chronic vaginal discharge, frequent urination, incontinence of urine and the feeling of bearing down.
In additional to its Qi tonifying and lifting effect, it is often used to regulate Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner as well. Therefore, it can remove abdominal pain and distension caused by Qi Stagnation.
Classical Sources
Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First described REN-6 Qihai and established it as a major point for treating qi deficiency conditions.
Líng Shū (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 9 'Nine Needles and Twelve Sources': Mentions the point under its alternative name 'Bó Yāng' (脖胦) as the Yuan-Source point of the Huāng (membrane region).
Biǎn Què Xīn Shū (Bian Que's Heart Method): Emphasizes the importance of moxibustion at REN-6 and REN-4 for rescuing collapsed Yang Qi, recommending many moxa cones for critical conditions.
Classical statement: "Qihai treats all chronic qi diseases that do not resolve, organ qi that is deficient and exhausted, and insufficiency of true qi."
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. Qihai REN-6 is located 1.5 cun below umbilicus and 3.5 cun above the upper border of the pubic symphysis.
Caution
Exercise great care during pregnancy - avoid strong stimulation and deep needling. Do not use reducing (draining) technique at this point due to its strong tonifying nature. Deep needling risks peritoneal puncture with potential injury to the small intestine. Patients who are very weak, fasting, or debilitated may have difficulty generating a response at this point; consider adding moxibustion or combining with ST-36 to activate qi first.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.8-1.5 cun. Caution: be careful with Peritoneum. Take great care during pregnancy. Should not apply Reducing Method due to the point's strong tonification effect.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Deqi sensation typically manifests as a deep, warm, spreading sensation in the lower abdomen. The qi may radiate upward toward the umbilicus, downward toward the perineum, or spread laterally across the abdomen. Some patients experience a profound sense of warmth and relaxation as the point activates the body's core energy.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes; or 5–10 moxa cones
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Qi
Position:
Lower Point
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