Location

at the wrist joint, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris, in the depression at the proximal border of the pisiform bone.

note; the location of this point is usually given in relation to the wrist crease, ie. at the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis.

Needling

perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 inch.

exercise caution not to needle into the tendon.

Moxa is OK

Actions

Calms the spirit
Regulates and tonifies the heart.

Signs and Symptoms

cardiac pain, irritability, palpitation, hysteria, amnesia, insomnia, mania, epilepsy, dementia, pain in the hyopchondriac region, feverish sensation in the palm,

Commentary:

Shenmen is the Yuan Source point of the Heart Channel. It is also the Shu - Stream point of the Heart channel according to 5 elements theory.

Yuan source points are where the Yuan or Original Qi, normally stored in the Kidneys surfaces and gathers on each channel.

According to ancient sources, both Yuan Source and Shu Stream points are recommended for disorders of the Zang organs... ie heart,liver, kidney, spleen, and lungs.

Shenmen is the point of choice to treat virtually any disorder of the Heart. Disorders of the Heart are divided into two main categories. 1.) disorders of the organ itself and 2.) disorders of the Spirit.

According to TCM theory, the Heart houses the Spirit. Shenmen is the pre-eminent point to 'calm the spirit.' Disturbance of the spirit is divided into two main categories; 1.) those arising out of deficiency (of qi, blood or yin) and 2.) those arising out of excess (mainly heart fire, phlegm or phlegm-fire.)

When there is blood or yin deficiency, the Heart is unable to anchor the spirit and it becomes restless giving rise to such symptoms as anxiety, fearfulness, poor memory, insomnia and disturbed sleep. Qi deficiency gives rise to sadness, apprehension and fright.

Excess of fire, phlegm or phlegm fire, gives rise to such symptoms as severe insomnia, mental hyperactivity, talking during sleep, disorientation, restlessness, dementia, mad laughter, insulting behaviour and other such symptoms. Qi excess gives rise to ceaseless laughter.

In all these cases, Shenmen is the point of choice to bring calm to the spirit.

Shenmen is often used by students, to enhance mental acuity, and calm exam-time jitters.

Palpitations are a common sign of almost any heart disorder, at the physical level. Because it has a strong action on calming and tonifying the heart organ, it is recommended for any kind of palpitation, including those arising out of Fear or Fright.

The Heart and the Kidneys have a unique relationship. It is said that heart fire warms the Kidneys, which are water and by nature cool, while Kidney water, by its cool nature restrains heart fire. In this way, the natural balance of the body and spirit is maintained. If there is deficiency or excess in either the other is affected.

By this understanding of the relationship between these two organs, as well as the relationship between the heart, small intestine and urinary bladder channels, Shenmen's inclusion in many classic treatments of enuresis (bed-wetting), is explained and supports the modern idea that there is a strong psycho-emotional component to this common childhood ailment.