REN8 Spirit Gate

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

REN8 (Shenque, “Spirit Gate”) is the Shu-Stream Point point of the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior aspect of the wrist, at the wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, between the pisiform and ulna bones. It calms the Spirit, regulates and tonifies the Heart, clears Heart Fire, and opens the orifices.

Location

On the anterior aspect of the wrist, at the wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, between the pisiform and ulna bones.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun. Be mindful of the ulnar artery, which lies just radial to the point, and the ulnar nerve, which is deep to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.

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TCM functions

Calms the Spirit, regulates and tonifies the Heart, clears Heart Fire, and opens the orifices..

Indications

Heart pain, vexation and fullness, dry throat, thirst, desire to drink, yellow eyes, pain in the ribs and costal region, heat in the palms, arm and hand contracture, arm coldness, arm and finger pain, chills and fever, malaria, vomiting blood, spitting blood, shortness of breath, rebellious qi, mania, inappropriate laughter or crying, sadness, fear and fright, palpitations, diminished qi, dementia, forgetfulness, insomnia, epilepsy, enuresis, urinary incontinence, loss of voice..

Shu-Stream PointYuan-Source Point

Clinical notes

As the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Heart channel, Shenmen is a paramount point for treating all disorders related to the Heart organ and its corresponding spirit, the Shen. It excels at calming the mind, making it a cornerstone in treatments for anxiety, insomnia, mania, and palpitations. Its dual function as a source point allows it to tonify Heart deficiency (e.g., in cases of forgetfulness and poor sleep) and as a stream point to clear excess (e.g., Heart Fire causing agitation and mouth sores).

On the Conception Vessel channel

REN8 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is REN8 located?

REN8 (Shenque) is located on the anterior aspect of the wrist, at the wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, between the pisiform and ulna bones.

What is REN8 used for?

REN8 calms the Spirit, regulates and tonifies the Heart, clears Heart Fire, and opens the orifices. Common clinical indications include heart pain, vexation and fullness, dry throat, thirst, desire to drink, yellow eyes, pain in the ribs and costal region, heat in the palms, arm and hand contracture, arm coldness, arm and finger pain, chills and fever, malaria, vomiting blood, spitting blood, shortness of breath, rebellious qi, mania, inappropriate laughter or crying, sadness, fear and fright, palpitations, diminished qi, dementia, forgetfulness, insomnia, epilepsy, enuresis, urinary incontinence, loss of voice.

How is REN8 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun. Be mindful of the ulnar artery, which lies just radial to the point, and the ulnar nerve, which is deep to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. Caution: NEEDLING CONTRAINDICATED — Gobek (Shenque) — iglenmez; yalnizca moksa/tuz uzerine moksa uygulanir The Huangdi Neijing states that if the pulse at Shenmen is absent, it is a fatal sign, indicating the impending death of the patient.

Which meridian is REN8 on?

REN8 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.