Location

on the midline of the lower abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus and 3 cun above the pubic symphesis. The distance between the umbilicus and the pubic symphesis is 5 cun. Divide the distance into 5 equal parts and count up or down.

Needling

perpendicular insertion 0.8 to 1.0 inch.

caution; deep needling may puncture the peritoneum.

needling is contraindicated during pregnancy.

moxa is OK. Moxa is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Actions

Moves and benefits water passages
Regulates Qi and alleviates pain
Regulates the uterus

Signs and Symptoms

abdominal pain, diarrhea, edema, hernia, anuria, enuresis, amenorrhea, morbid leucorrhoea, uterine bleeding, post partum hemorrhage

Commentary

Shimen is the Front Mu point of the San Jiao. A Mu point is where the Qi of a particular organ gathers and collects. The San Jiao is unique in that it is not actually an organ, but refers to the function of being responsible for water passage through the body. The Upper Jiao refers to the upper part of the body (Heart & Lungs), the Middle Jiao refers to the upper abdomen (Stomach, Liver, Spleen), and the Lower Jiao refers to the lower abdomen below the umbilicus (Kidney and Bladder).

Shimen is indicated for all disorders of the Lower abdomen and extremities, involving water, including difficult urination, painful urination, edema, diarrhea, dysentery.

Shimen is also effective at treating twisting pain in the lower abdomen, hernia, and swelling/pain in the genitals, uterine bleeding, abdominal masses and leucorrhoea.

While modern texts make no mention, ancient texts cautioned that needling this point could induce infertility.