Directing Vessel
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REN-7
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
On the midline of the abdomen, 1 cun below the umbilicus.
Main Actions
- Regulates menstruation
- Regulates the Penetrating Vessel and the Uterus
- Regulates Qi in the abdomen and genital area
- Nourishes Yin
Indications
Commentary
This point is the meeting place of the Directing and Penetrating Vessels as well as of the Liver and Kidney Channels. Therefore, a large amount of Yin Qi concentrates there, then this Qi intersects with the Original Yang Qi, according to the book ‘A Study of Acupuncture’.
This Yin Qi also meets Tian Gui Essence which is the base for menstrual blood in women and sperm in men. At this point, the Directing Vessel Essence mixes with the descending Yang Qi, while Water separates upwards. Then the Original Yin infuses into the Lower Dan Tian, where Water and Fire cross. This is how the name 'Yin Crossing' come from.
Based on above theory, Yinjiao REN-7 is very effective in regulating menstruation and the Uterus in two ways. Firstly, as a Directing Vessel point, it benefits the Uterus so as to treat irregular or heavy periods as well as infertility. Secondly, as the meeting point with Penetrating Vessel, it can remove Blood Stagnation so as to ease period cramp.
It can also treat a large range of Shan disorder (Hernial and Genitourinary) of the Bladder and genitalia by expelling Dampness from the Lower Burner. Therefore, it treats symptoms such as testicle retraction or genitalia itching.
Finally, Yinjiao REN-7 also treats various menopausal symptoms as it nourishes the Kidney Yin.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Yinjiao is the meeting point of the Ren Mai, Chong Mai, and Kidney channel."
Jiayi Jing: Lists indications including periumbilical pain, irregular menstruation, postpartum hemorrhage, and hernia disorders.
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (Illustrated Manual of Acupoints on the Bronze Figure): Describes the point for treating menstrual disorders, leukorrhea, and abdominal masses.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture): Emphasizes the point's role in regulating the lower jiao, treating gynecological conditions, and addressing running piglet disorder (ben tun).
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. Yinjiao REN-7 is located 1 cun below umbilicus and 4 cun above the upper border of the pubic symphysis.
Caution
Deep insertion may penetrate the peritoneal cavity and potentially injure the small intestine. Needle perpendicular to shallow-medium depth only. Absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy as this point strongly moves Blood and Qi in the uterus and may cause miscarriage. Use with caution in patients with full bladder; ensure patient has voided before needling. Oblique needling downward toward the rectum should not exceed 1.5 cun.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5-1 cun. Caution: be careful with Peritoneum. Take great care during pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Deqi typically manifests as a sensation of distension or fullness spreading around the lower abdomen. Some patients may experience a warm sensation radiating toward the genitals or up toward the umbilicus. The sensation may spread along the Ren Mai pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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