Qimen Point (LR-14 / Period Gate)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Qimen (LR-14 / Period Gate). Learn its benefits for chest fullness, vomiting, hiccups, abdominal distension, and jaundice – the Liver Mu-Front point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Chest and hypochondriac fullness, vomiting, hiccups, abdominal distension, acid regurgitation, hypochondriac pain, wheezing, restless sleep, chest tightness and restlessness, jaundice, cholera with diarrhea, stiff lumbar region, greenish complexion with vomiting, and accumulated qi below the hypochondrium.
Precise Location
Located on the Liver Meridian, on the chest, directly below the nipple, in the 6th intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, level with Juque (RN-14).
Location Method
Sit upright with both hands raised, palms facing down, fingertips pointing toward each other, placed below the breasts and above the ribs – the point is where the thenar eminence (the fleshy base of the thumb) is positioned directly below the nipple.
Massage Method
Press and knead with the thumb – a distending and painful sensation will occur. Apply to both sides simultaneously or separately for 3–5 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and soothes the liver, regulates qi and activates blood, soothes the chest and descends rebellious qi.
Compatibility
Hiccups: Combine with the diaphragm reflex area, Neiguan (PC-6), Tiantu (RN-22), and Qimen (LR-14). Disease overview: Hiccups are characterized by involuntary, short, frequent sounds from the throat with no material expelled – caused by stomach qi counterflow affecting the diaphragm due to improper diet, emotional disturbance with liver qi invading the stomach, or deficiency of middle qi. Massage sequence: Push the diaphragm reflex area (on the sole) with the thumb pad, or rub the diaphragm area on the back of the hand several times – the pressure should be steady and slow; press Neiguan with the thumb pad for about 5 minutes; then press Tiantu with the right thumb, gradually increasing then decreasing pressure for 1 minute; finally massage Qimen for 3 minutes to stop the hiccups. Chest and hypochondriac fullness: Combine with Ganshu (BL-18), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Geshu (BL-17). Jaundice: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zhongfeng (LR-4), and Qimen (LR-14). Hypochondriac and chest pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zhigou (TE-6). Vomiting and acid regurgitation: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Zhongwan (RN-12). Abdominal distension: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Wheezing and restless sleep: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Tanzhong (RN-17).
Efficacy & Actions
The Zhenjiu Jiayijing states: "Qimen is the meeting of the Foot Taiyin, Foot Jueyin, and Yin Wei Vessel." The Qianjin Fang states: "It treats wheezing with difficulty lying down, cough, and accumulations below the hypochondrium." The Bronze Figure Manual states: "It treats restlessness with heat in the chest, running piglet qi ascending and descending, greenish complexion with vomiting, cholera with diarrhea, stiff lumbar region, severe wheezing with inability to lie down, and accumulated qi below the hypochondrium." These records illustrate the efficacy of Qimen. When angered by trivial matters or affected by weather changes causing qi stagnation, pressing this point provides excellent relief and therapeutic effects. This point belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and is the Mu-Front point of the Liver, as well as the meeting point of the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, and the Yin Wei Vessel. It soothes the liver and regulates qi, strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, soothes the chest and descends rebellious qi. It is a key point for treating liver, gallbladder, and chest-hypochondriac disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Qi" means period or cycle; "Men" means gate or door. Located on the chest, this point serves as the gateway for Liver Meridian qi, where liver qi arrives as if on schedule – hence the name Qimen (Period Gate).
Contraindications
The deep layer contains the lungs and liver – needling angle and depth must be carefully controlled. Vertical deep needling should be avoided; generally oblique needling at 0.3–0.5 cun to prevent internal organ injury. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
