Directing Vessel
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REN-2
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
On the midline of abdomen, just on the upper border of the symphysis pubis.
Main Actions
- Benefits the Bladder and regulates urination
- Strengthens Essences
- Warms and invigorates the Kidneys
Indications
Enuresis
Impotence
Shan disorder
Genitalia pain
Scrotum itching
Vaginal itching
Urinary retention
Seminal emissions
Vaginal discharge
Urinary difficulty
Premature ejaculation
Dribbling after urination
Commentary
Due to Huiyin REN-1's inconvenience location, Qugu REN-2 is a good replacement to resolve Dampness in the genital area. Therefore, it treats Shan disorder (Hernial and Genitourinary Disorders) and various urination issues such as dribbling, retention or difficulties of urination.
On top of that, it also consolidates and strengthens the Essence, so as to treats seminal emissions and premature ejaculation in men as well as chronic vaginal discharge in women.
Finally it tonifies the Kidneys and eases the exhaustion of the five Yin Organs.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records Qugu as a meeting point of Ren Mai and Foot Jueyin (Liver) channel, indicated for lower abdominal distension, difficult urination, enuresis, hernia, seminal emissions, impotence, genital itching, irregular menstruation, and vaginal discharge.
Jing Yue Quan Shu (Complete Works of Jing-Yue): Documents the point's function for treating the five types of strangury, lower abdominal masses, and seminal loss in men.
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (Illustrated Manual of Acupoints on the Bronze Figure): Describes location on the midline above the pubic bone and its indications for urinary and reproductive disorders.
How to Locate
On the midline of the lower abdomen, about 5 cun below umbilicus. It is the meeting point between the Directing Vessel and Liver Channel. In the pubic area, locate the upper border of the pubic symphysis. Locate Qugu REN-2 directly above the upper border of the pubic symphysis.
Caution
Patient must empty the bladder before needling to avoid urinary bladder trauma. The bladder lies directly beneath this point, so careful depth control is essential. Absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy as needling may stimulate uterine contractions. Due to its intimate location near the genitals, appropriate patient consent and consideration for privacy/chaperone is advisable.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5-1 cun. Caution: be careful with Peritoneum. Take great care during pregnancy. Need to empty the Bladder before needling.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Localized distension and soreness at the lower abdomen. Deqi may radiate to the genitalia, perineum, or deeper into the pelvis toward the bladder region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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