Shimen REN-5 location
REN-5

Shimen REN-5

Stone Gate · 石门 · Shí Mén
Directing Vessel

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 the abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus.

Previous on channel

Guanyuan REN-4

Next on channel

Qihai REN-6

Main Actions

  • Opens and benefits the water passage
  • Regulates the Qi and Blood in Lower Burner
  • Regulates the Uterus
  • Strengthens the Original Qi

Commentary

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. 

Classical Sources

Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經): "For shan qi (hernia) below the umbilicus with pain circling the navel, Shimen is the master point. For Triple Burner distension, Shimen is the master. For water swelling with large abdomen, water distension, and water qi moving through the skin, Shimen is the master." Additionally states: "Women are forbidden from needling or moxibustion at the center [of this point], as misfortune will cause sterility."

Zhenjiu Dacheng (針灸大成): "Treats Shang Han (Cold Damage), difficult urination, uncontrolled diarrhea, cramping lower abdominal pain... Women are forbidden from needling or moxibustion at Shimen, as violating this causes loss of ability to bear children."

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.

Caution

Classical texts strongly warn against needling or applying moxibustion to this point in women, claiming it may cause sterility. While modern practitioners generally consider this exaggerated, caution is advised, particularly in women of childbearing age who wish to conceive. Absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. Deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity—avoid deep insertion, especially in thin patients. The classical warning specifically mentions heavy stimulation techniques (strong manipulation, thick needles, or scarring moxibustion) as problematic.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Depth Category

Medium

Standard Depth

0.5–1.0 cun

Needling Directions

Vertically 0.5-1 cun. Caution: Contraindicated to apply during pregnancy. Deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Local distension and heaviness in the lower abdomen, with possible radiation downward toward the urethra or genitals. Some patients experience a sensation of warmth spreading through the lower abdomen.

Moxibustion

Questionable

Duration: 10–20 minutes (with caution in females of childbearing age)

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

N/A

Gua Sha

Questionable

Organ & Tissue Associations

Front-Mu Point for:

San Jiao (Triple Burner)

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