Shimen Point (RN-5 / Stone Gate, also known as Liji, Jinglu, Dantian, Mingmen)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shimen (RN-5 / Stone Gate). Learn its benefits for amenorrhea, leukorrhea, abdominal distension, and diarrhea – the Sanjiao Mu-Front point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Amenorrhea, leukorrhea, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficult urination, edema, hernia, metrorrhagia, and persistent postpartum lochiorrhea.
Precise Location
In the lower abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus, on the anterior midline.
Location Method
Lie supine. On the anterior midline, measure 3 finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) downward from the center of the umbilicus – that is the point.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Shimen with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therapeutic actions: Regulates qi and relieves pain, unblocks the water passages, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea.
Compatibility
Abdominal distension and pain: Combine with Qihai (RN-6). Amenorrhea: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Xuehai (SP-10). Leukorrhea: Combine with Daimai (GB-26) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Diarrhea: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Difficult urination and edema: Combine with Sanjiaoshu (BL-22) and Yinlingquan (SP-9). Metrorrhagia: Combine with Yinbai (SP-1) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and is the Mu-Front point of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. It regulates qi and relieves pain, unblocks the water passages, and regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea. It is a commonly used key point for treating abdominal and gynecological disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shi" means stone or firm; "Men" means gate or door. Located in the abdomen, this point serves as the gateway for Sanjiao Meridian qi and unblocks the water passages of the Triple Burner – hence the name Shimen (Stone Gate). It is also known as "Liji," "Jinglu," "Dantian," and "Mingmen."
Contraindications
The deep layer contains the Small Intestine – needling and moxibustion are contraindicated in pregnant women. Moxibustion is permissible but rarely used clinically. Some texts record that this point has contraceptive effects, making it especially contraindicated during pregnancy.
