Yinmen Point (BL-37 / Flourishing Gate)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yinmen (BL-37 / Flourishing Gate). Learn its benefits for sciatica, lumbar and back pain, lumbar disc herniation, and lower limb conditions – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Sciatica, lower limb paralysis, lumbar and back pain, lumbar and leg pain, lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome, lumbar disc herniation, difficult urination, and prostatitis.
Precise Location
On the posterior thigh, on the line connecting Chengfu (BL-36) and Weizhong (BL-40), 6 cun below Chengfu.
Location Method
Sit upright. Bring the index and middle fingers together with the other fingers bent, place them on the midline of the posterior thigh, slightly above the midpoint between the buttocks and the knee – the point is where the middle finger rests.
Massage Method
Bring the middle and index fingers together and knead with the finger pads – apply to both sides for 1–3 minutes each. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the legs and lumbar region, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, relaxes the sinews and benefits the joints.
Compatibility
Lumbar and back pain: Combine with Qiuxu (GB-40), Yuji (LU-10), Kunlun (BL-60), Jinggu (BL-64), Jingqu (LU-8), and Yinmen (BL-37). Disease overview: Prolonged work or maintaining a single posture leads to overexertion, causing lumbar soreness and back pain. Massage sequence: Massage Qiuxu, Yuji, Kunlun, Jinggu, Jingqu, and Yinmen – 3 minutes each. Sciatica: Combine with Mingmen (GV-4), Chengfu (BL-36), Yinmen (BL-37), Chengshan (BL-57), Kunlun (BL-60), Jingmen (GB-25), Xuanzhong (GB-39), and Huantiao (GB-30). Lower limb bi-pain: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yinmen (BL-37), Weizhong (BL-40), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Kunlun (BL-60).
Efficacy & Actions
Tapping Yinmen is specifically effective for treating lumbar and back pain and lumbar disc herniation, with very noticeable results. Regular tapping also helps prevent lumbar disc herniation, and can alleviate symptoms such as prostatitis, urinary obstruction, and dribbling urination. Additionally, regular massage and tapping of Yinmen unblocks the meridians and collaterals, promotes circulation, and helps consume excess fat in the legs, giving the thighs a slender and smooth contour. This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It strengthens the legs and lumbar region, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, relaxes the sinews and benefits the joints. It is a commonly used key point for treating lumbar, leg, and lower limb disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Yin" means flourishing or abundant; "Men" means gate or door. Located on the posterior thigh, where Bladder Meridian qi is abundant and flourishing – hence the name Yinmen (Flourishing Gate).
Contraindications
Located in the deep muscle layer of the posterior thigh, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.8–1.2 cun vertically to avoid injury to nerves and blood vessels. Moxibustion is permissible.
