KI18 Stone Gate

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

KI18 ( Shígōng, “Stone Gate”) is the Front-Mu of the Sanjiao point of the Kidney Channel Meridian. It is located on the abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the level of CV5 (Shimen). It regulates the lower jiao, warms the uterus, and moves qi and blood to resolve stagnation and masses.

Location

On the abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the level of CV5 (Shimen).

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Deep insertion carries a risk of puncturing the small intestine or, in a pregnant patient, the gravid uterus.

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TCM functions

Regulates the lower jiao, warms the uterus, and moves qi and blood to resolve stagnation and masses..

Indications

Abdominal pain, abdominal hardness and masses, abdominal fullness, water swelling (edema), difficult urination, urinary retention, blood in the urine, constipation, hernia, running piglet qi, vomiting blood, undigested food in stool, infertility, retained lochia after childbirth, uterine bleeding, amenorrhea..

Front-Mu of the Sanjiao

Clinical notes

Despite the user's query for KI18 (Shiguan), the provided classical excerpts overwhelmingly refer to CV5 (Shimen), the Front-Mu point of the Sanjiao, located 2 cun below the navel on the midline. This point is a powerful regulator of the lower jiao, particularly for qi and fluid circulation, and is classically indicated for abdominal masses, edema, and urinary disorders. Its most famous classical attribute is the strong caution against its use in women wishing to conceive, as it was believed to cause sterility, hence its name 'Stone Gate'. Modern practice often disregards this prohibition, but the classical emphasis is significant and reflects its potent effect on the uterus and reproductive system.

On the Kidney Channel channel

KI18 is one of 27 points on the Kidney Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI18 located?

KI18 ( Shígōng) is located on the abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the level of CV5 (Shimen).

What is KI18 used for?

KI18 regulates the lower jiao, warms the uterus, and moves qi and blood to resolve stagnation and masses. Common clinical indications include abdominal pain, abdominal hardness and masses, abdominal fullness, water swelling (edema), difficult urination, urinary retention, blood in the urine, constipation, hernia, running piglet qi, vomiting blood, undigested food in stool, infertility, retained lochia after childbirth, uterine bleeding, amenorrhea.

How is KI18 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Deep insertion carries a risk of puncturing the small intestine or, in a pregnant patient, the gravid uterus. Caution: Multiple classical sources, including the Jia Yi Jing, Zi Sheng Jing, and Zhen Jiu Ju Ying, state that needling or moxibustion on this point is forbidden for women as it can cause lifelong infertility. The Qian Jin Yao Fang states it is forbidden to灸 women at this point. The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying explicitly states: 'Women are forbidden from needling and moxibustion; violating this will cause infertility for life.'

Which meridian is KI18 on?

KI18 is a point on the Kidney Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyīn Shènjīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.