Shenque Point (RN-8 / Spirit Palace, also known as Qizhong, Qishe, Qihe)
Discover the exact location and acupressure/moxibustion method for Shenque (RN-8 / Spirit Palace). Learn its benefits for abdominal pain, diarrhea, menstrual disorders, and prolapse – the key health preservation point at the umbilicus – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment. Needling contraindicated.
Indications
Borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea, various collapse patterns (prolapse and qi sinking), irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia, spermatorrhea, infertility, urinary incontinence, rectal prolapse, edema, and cold abdominal pain.
Precise Location
In the umbilical region, at the center of the umbilicus.
Location Method
Lie supine. Locate the point at the center of the umbilicus on the abdomen.
Massage Method
Moxibustion: Apply salt-partitioned moxa cone or mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead the umbilicus with the palm once daily to treat borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal prolapse. Therapeutic actions: Warms yang and rescues collapse, promotes diuresis and secures prolapse, strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, regulates Chong and Ren.
Compatibility
Abdominal pain and distension: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25), Neiguan (PC-6), and Zusanli (ST-36). Diarrhea and borborygmus: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Shangjuxu (ST-37). Rectal prolapse and chronic diarrhea: Combine with Baihui (GV-20), Qihai (RN-6), and Guanyuan (RN-4). Metrorrhagia and irregular menstruation: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Xuehai (SP-10), and Guanyuan (RN-4). Spermatorrhea and urinary incontinence: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Edema: Combine with Shuifen (RN-9), Yinlingquan (SP-9), and Sanjiaoshu (BL-22).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and is an important health preservation point located at the center of the umbilicus. It warms yang and rescues collapse, promotes diuresis and secures prolapse, strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, and regulates Chong and Ren. It is a commonly used key point for treating gastrointestinal and gynecological disorders, especially suitable for moxibustion. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shen" refers to spirit and vitality; "Que" means palace or gateway. Located at the umbilicus, this point serves as the gateway for spirit qi – hence the name Shenque (Spirit Palace). It is also known as "Qizhong," "Qishe," and "Qihe." Shenque is the knot of prenatal constitution and the mansion of postnatal qi – the root of life itself. Ancient physicians placed great importance on umbilical health preservation, often using moxibustion at Shenque to consolidate the root and prolong life. Needling is generally contraindicated; moxibustion and warm compresses are preferred. Salt-partitioned moxibustion, ginger-partitioned moxibustion, and mild-warm moxa stick are commonly used.
Contraindications
Needling is contraindicated – moxibustion is the primary method, especially salt-partitioned or ginger-partitioned moxibustion and mild-warm moxa stick. Use with caution in pregnant women. Contraindicated in cases of umbilical infection, skin lesions, or dermatitis.
