REN6 (Qihai, “Sea of Qi”) is the Yuan-Source Point of the Huang (Membranes) point of the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 1.5 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus. It tonifies Original Qi, warms the Lower Jiao, fortifies the Kidneys, regulates Qi, treats all chronic Qi diseases, and restores collapsed Yang.
On the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 1.5 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus.
Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 2.0 cun. Deep insertion can puncture the peritoneum and small intestine if the bladder is not empty, especially in thin patients.
Tonifies Original Qi, warms the Lower Jiao, fortifies the Kidneys, regulates Qi, treats all chronic Qi diseases, and restores collapsed Yang..
Zang organ qi vacuity and exhaustion, insufficient true qi, all chronic qi diseases, shortness of breath, cold limbs with reversal (jue ni), abdominal cramping from cold, lower abdominal pain, lower abdominal cramping and tension, lower abdominal cold qi pain, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal distention, abdominal masses like an overturned cup, intestinal rumbling, constipation, reddish urine, sudden heart pain, hernia (seven types), seminal emission, urinary dripping, enuresis in children, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding (beng zhong), red and white vaginal discharge, postpartum persistent lochia, pain around the umbilicus, lower back pain from sprain, general debility and emaciation, weakness of the four limbs, collapse of yang, loss of consciousness..
Qihai is a paramount point for tonifying the body's foundational energy. Its classical name, 'Sea of Qi,' aptly describes its capacity to treat profound deficiency, exhaustion, and collapse of yang, making it a cornerstone of constitutional and restorative treatments. Moxibustion is particularly emphasized in the classics for its ability to warm the lower jiao, bolster the Kidneys, and revive depleted Yuan Qi. It is essential for treating chronic diseases, severe debility, and various gynecological and urogenital disorders stemming from cold and deficiency.
REN6 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
REN6 (Qihai) is located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 1.5 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus.
REN6 tonifies Original Qi, warms the Lower Jiao, fortifies the Kidneys, regulates Qi, treats all chronic Qi diseases, and restores collapsed Yang. Common clinical indications include zang organ qi vacuity and exhaustion, insufficient true qi, all chronic qi diseases, shortness of breath, cold limbs with reversal (jue ni), abdominal cramping from cold, lower abdominal pain, lower abdominal cramping and tension, lower abdominal cold qi pain, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal distention, abdominal masses like an overturned cup, intestinal rumbling, constipation, reddish urine, sudden heart pain, hernia (seven types), seminal emission, urinary dripping, enuresis in children, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding (beng zhong), red and white vaginal discharge, postpartum persistent lochia, pain around the umbilicus, lower back pain from sprain, general debility and emaciation, weakness of the four limbs, collapse of yang, loss of consciousness.
Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 2.0 cun. Deep insertion can puncture the peritoneum and small intestine if the bladder is not empty, especially in thin patients. Caution: Traditionally avoided or used with caution in PREGNANCY (strong qi/blood-moving or labour-promoting action). The Qian Jin Yao Fang notes '忌不可針' (forbidden to needle), though this is a minority view contradicted by most other major classics which provide specific needling instructions. The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying warns that excessive moxibustion on Qihai and ST36 in a young, qi-deficient person can lead to heat symptoms later in life, such as headache and aversion to warmth.
REN6 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).