REN4 Guanyuan

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

REN4 (Guanyuan, “Guanyuan”) is the Front-Mu of the Small Intestine point of the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 3 cun inferior to the umbilicus. It tonifies Original Qi and Kidney Qi, warms the Lower Jiao, nourishes blood and yin, dispels cold and dampness, regulates the Small Intestine, supports the uterus and reproductive function, and restores collapsed yang.

Location

On the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 3 cun inferior to the umbilicus.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 0.8 to 1.5 cun. Deep insertion should only be performed after the patient has voided their bladder.

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TCM functions

Tonifies Original Qi and Kidney Qi, warms the Lower Jiao, nourishes blood and yin, dispels cold and dampness, regulates the Small Intestine, supports the uterus and reproductive function, and restores collapsed yang..

Indications

Accumulation of cold, deficiency and exhaustion, body heat with headache that comes and goes, cold congealing in the Bladder or at Guanyuan, cold in the lower abdomen, stone water disease (edema with hardness), headache with dizziness, body heat, pain from stone water disease radiating to the hypochondrium, cold and heat, body and spinal column as if broken, infertility, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, excessive menstrual bleeding, uterine bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, retained lochia, leukorrhea, seven types of hernia in men, abdominal masses in women, urinary difficulty, urinary retention during pregnancy, seminal emission, impotence, cholera, dysentery, wasting and thirsting (diabetes), emaciation, weakness of the four limbs, syncope, wind stroke..

Front-Mu of the Small Intestine

Clinical notes

Guanyuan is a paramount point for tonifying the body's root, treating a vast range of disorders stemming from deficiency, cold, and exhaustion. It is particularly famous for its use in chronic diseases, reproductive and urinary issues, and for general health preservation through moxibustion. Its classical identity as the Dantian, or 'Cinnabar Field', underscores its importance in cultivating and storing the body's essential energy.

On the Conception Vessel channel

REN4 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is REN4 located?

REN4 (Guanyuan) is located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 3 cun inferior to the umbilicus.

What is REN4 used for?

REN4 tonifies Original Qi and Kidney Qi, warms the Lower Jiao, nourishes blood and yin, dispels cold and dampness, regulates the Small Intestine, supports the uterus and reproductive function, and restores collapsed yang. Common clinical indications include accumulation of cold, deficiency and exhaustion, body heat with headache that comes and goes, cold congealing in the Bladder or at Guanyuan, cold in the lower abdomen, stone water disease (edema with hardness), headache with dizziness, body heat, pain from stone water disease radiating to the hypochondrium, cold and heat, body and spinal column as if broken, infertility, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, excessive menstrual bleeding, uterine bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, retained lochia, leukorrhea, seven types of hernia in men, abdominal masses in women, urinary difficulty, urinary retention during pregnancy, seminal emission, impotence, cholera, dysentery, wasting and thirsting (diabetes), emaciation, weakness of the four limbs, syncope, wind stroke.

How is REN4 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 0.8 to 1.5 cun. Deep insertion should only be performed after the patient has voided their bladder. Caution: Traditionally avoided or used with caution in PREGNANCY (strong qi/blood-moving or labour-promoting action). Contraindicated to needle during pregnancy. If accidentally needled causing miscarriage with a retained fetus, needle Kunlun (BL60) to expel it.

Which meridian is REN4 on?

REN4 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).

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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.