Ximen Point (PC-4 / Cleft Gate)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Ximen (PC-4 / Cleft Gate). Learn its benefits for acute heart pain, palpitations, hematemesis, and epilepsy – the Pericardium meridian Xi-Cleft point for emergency cardiac conditions – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Heart pain, palpitations, chest pain, restlessness, hematemesis, epistaxis, epilepsy, and anxiety with fright.
Precise Location
In the anterior forearm region, 5 cun above the distal palmar wrist crease, between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon.
Location Method
Slightly flex the wrist and make a fist. Measure 5 cun (approximately 7 finger-widths) upward from the wrist crease – the point is between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. ② Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. ③ Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Press and knead Ximen with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat heart pain and palpitations. Therapeutic actions: Calms the heart and settles the spirit, regulates qi and relieves pain, activates blood and resolves stasis, soothes the chest and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Acute myocardial injury (acute heart pain, chest impediment): Combine with Neiguan (PC-6). Heart pain and palpitations: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7) and Xinshu (BL-15). Hematemesis and epistaxis: Combine with Geshu (BL-17) and Xuehai (SP-10). Epilepsy: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14) and Shuigou (GV-26). Chest pain and restlessness: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17) and Neiguan (PC-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian and is the Xi-Cleft point of this meridian. It calms the heart and settles the spirit, regulates qi and relieves pain, activates blood and resolves stasis, soothes the chest and unblocks the collaterals. Xi-Cleft points are good at treating acute conditions – this point is especially effective for acute heart pain and palpitations, making it a key point for emergency cardiac disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Xi" refers to the cleft or Xi-Cleft point; "Men" means gate or door. As the Xi-Cleft point of the Pericardium Meridian, where qi deeply converges, it is named Ximen (Cleft Gate).
