REN5 Shimen

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

REN5 (Shimen, “Shimen”) is the Front-Mu point of the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 2 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus. It regulates the lower jiao and urination, warms the origin and dispels cold, moves qi and alleviates pain, resolves masses and stops bleeding.

Location

On the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 2 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 0.8 to 1.5 cun. Deep insertion should be performed on an empty bladder.

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TCM functions

Regulates the lower jiao and urination, warms the origin and dispels cold, moves qi and alleviates pain, resolves masses and stops bleeding..

Indications

Abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, abdominal hardness, amenorrhea, anuria, ascites, asthma, blood in stool, blood mass after childbirth, borborygmus, breakthrough bleeding, cold sensation in the lower abdomen, constipation, diarrhea, difficult urination, edema, food not transforming, hernia, infertility, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, lower abdominal colic, lower abdominal pain, lower abdominal skin feels tight, postpartum bleeding, prolapse of the uterus, running piglet qi, scrotal retraction into abdomen, sudden heart pain, urinary retention, uterine bleeding, vomiting blood, water swelling.

Front-Mu

Clinical notes

Shimen is the Front-Mu point of the Sanjiao, giving it a primary role in regulating the waterways and qi transformation in the lower abdomen. Its name, 'Stone Gate', aptly describes its powerful, almost irreversible effect on fertility, making it a point of last resort or one to be avoided entirely in women of childbearing age. Clinically, it is used for conditions of stagnation and accumulation in the lower jiao, such as abdominal masses, severe constipation, edema, and urinary retention, reflecting its function to break through obstruction.

On the Conception Vessel channel

REN5 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

REN1REN2REN3REN4REN6REN7REN8REN9

Frequently asked questions

Where is REN5 located?

REN5 (Shimen) is located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 2 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus.

What is REN5 used for?

REN5 regulates the lower jiao and urination, warms the origin and dispels cold, moves qi and alleviates pain, resolves masses and stops bleeding. Common clinical indications include abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, abdominal hardness, amenorrhea, anuria, ascites, asthma, blood in stool, blood mass after childbirth, borborygmus, breakthrough bleeding, cold sensation in the lower abdomen, constipation, diarrhea, difficult urination, edema, food not transforming, hernia, infertility, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, lower abdominal colic, lower abdominal pain, lower abdominal skin feels tight, postpartum bleeding, prolapse of the uterus, running piglet qi, scrotal retraction into abdomen, sudden heart pain, urinary retention, uterine bleeding, vomiting blood, water swelling.

How is REN5 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 0.8 to 1.5 cun. Deep insertion should be performed on an empty bladder. Caution: Traditionally avoided or used with caution in PREGNANCY (strong qi/blood-moving or labour-promoting action). Strongly contraindicated for needling and moxibustion in women, especially those who wish to conceive, as multiple classics state it causes permanent infertility. The Jia Yi Jing notes, 'for women, it is forbidden to needle; if moxa is applied to the center, it will unfortunately cause infertility.' The Zhen Jiu Da Cheng reiterates, 'for women, both needling and moxibustion are forbidden; violating this causes infertility.' The Zi Sheng Jing concurs, stating needling it will cause lifelong infertility in women and that moxibustion will cause sterility. Pregnant women are also forbidden from being needled here.

Which meridian is REN5 on?

REN5 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).

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