SP12 Chongmen translates to 'Rushing Gate'

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

SP12 (Chōngmén, “Chongmen translates to 'Rushing Gate'”) is the Meeting point of SP & LV point of the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located in the inguinal region, 1 cun inferior to SP13 (Fushe), at the superior border of the pubic bone, 4.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the pulsation of the femoral artery. It regulates Qi in the lower abdomen, dispels cold, resolves accumulations, and benefits the uterus.

Location

In the inguinal region, 1 cun inferior to SP13 (Fushe), at the superior border of the pubic bone, 4.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the pulsation of the femoral artery.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution must be exercised to avoid puncturing the femoral artery, which lies just medial to the point, and the femoral vein. Palpate for the pulse before needling.

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TCM functions

Regulates Qi in the lower abdomen, dispels cold, resolves accumulations, and benefits the uterus..

Indications

Abdominal cold, fullness and accumulation in the abdomen, abdominal pain, urinary difficulty, seminal emission, hernia, difficult or chaotic pregnancy, fetus rushing up to the heart causing breathlessness, uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, hard masses in the abdomen (zhen jia), cold-type accumulations (pi qi)..

Meeting point of SP & LV

Clinical notes

Chongmen is a key point for disorders of the inguinal and genital region, acting as a gateway for Qi circulation in the lower jiao. It is particularly effective for conditions involving cold, stagnation, and pain, such as hernia, abdominal masses, and certain gynecological issues like uterine bleeding or a fetus rushing upwards. Its ability to treat both hernia and gynecological problems highlights its role in regulating Qi and Blood in the entire pelvic cavity.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP12 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

SP8SP9SP10SP11SP13SP14SP15SP16

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP12 located?

SP12 (Chōngmén) is located in the inguinal region, 1 cun inferior to SP13 (Fushe), at the superior border of the pubic bone, 4.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the pulsation of the femoral artery.

What is SP12 used for?

SP12 regulates Qi in the lower abdomen, dispels cold, resolves accumulations, and benefits the uterus. Common clinical indications include abdominal cold, fullness and accumulation in the abdomen, abdominal pain, urinary difficulty, seminal emission, hernia, difficult or chaotic pregnancy, fetus rushing up to the heart causing breathlessness, uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, hard masses in the abdomen (zhen jia), cold-type accumulations (pi qi).

How is SP12 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution must be exercised to avoid puncturing the femoral artery, which lies just medial to the point, and the femoral vein. Palpate for the pulse before needling. Caution: Adjacent to the femoral arter — palpate and avoid the vessel; do not needle into a pulsating artery. The classical texts do not specify cautions, but the location on a major artery implies a need for care. Modern practice emphasizes avoiding the femoral artery and vein.

Which meridian is SP12 on?

SP12 is a point on the Spleen Channel Meridian (Zú Tài Yīn Pí Jīng).

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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.