KI21 (Yōumén, “Yōumén means 'Hidden Gate' or 'Dark Gate'”) is an acupuncture point on the Kidney Channel Meridian. It is located on the upper abdomen, 6 cun superior to the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, level with the Ren Mai point Juque (CV14). It harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious qi, alleviates vomiting, and relieves pain in the chest and abdomen.
On the upper abdomen, 6 cun superior to the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, level with the Ren Mai point Juque (CV14).
Oblique or perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution: Perpendicular or deep needling carries a risk of puncturing the liver or stomach.
Harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious qi, alleviates vomiting, and relieves pain in the chest and abdomen..
Vomiting, poor appetite, chest fullness, chest pain, vexation and fullness, rebellious qi with coughing, frequent spitting, forgetfulness, diarrhea with pus and blood, heart and abdominal rebellious qi in women, pain in the heart and abdomen, pain that prevents coughing, cough that pulls on the shoulder, abdominal distention and rumbling, inability to eat, phlegm accumulations, acid reflux, sudden loss of voice, mental restlessness, red eyes starting from the inner canthus..
As its name 'Hidden Gate' implies, Yōumén is a key point for regulating the pyloric sphincter's function, making it essential for treating rebellious stomach qi manifesting as vomiting, nausea, and acid reflux. Its location high on the abdomen also allows it to address chest fullness and pain radiating from the middle jiao. The classical texts emphasize its role in digestive disorders, particularly when food fails to descend properly from the stomach.
KI21 is one of 27 points on the Kidney Channel Meridian. Nearby points:
KI21 (Yōumén) is located on the upper abdomen, 6 cun superior to the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, level with the Ren Mai point Juque (CV14).
KI21 harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious qi, alleviates vomiting, and relieves pain in the chest and abdomen. Common clinical indications include vomiting, poor appetite, chest fullness, chest pain, vexation and fullness, rebellious qi with coughing, frequent spitting, forgetfulness, diarrhea with pus and blood, heart and abdominal rebellious qi in women, pain in the heart and abdomen, pain that prevents coughing, cough that pulls on the shoulder, abdominal distention and rumbling, inability to eat, phlegm accumulations, acid reflux, sudden loss of voice, mental restlessness, red eyes starting from the inner canthus.
Oblique or perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution: Perpendicular or deep needling carries a risk of puncturing the liver or stomach.
KI21 is a point on the Kidney Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyīn Shènjīng).