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Gui Lai: TCM Acupoint Guide

GUILAI
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

Gui Lai (Guilai)

Location

On the lower abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus, level with REN-3 Zhongji. Note: the 2 cun line runs halfway between the midline and the palpable lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle.

Needling

  • Straight insertion or transverse insertion toward the symphysis pubis, 1.5 to 2 cun. Sensation: distention and soreness in the lower abdomen, sometimes extending into the genital region.
  • Caution: deep insertion may penetrate the peritoneal cavity in thin patients, or may penetrate a full bladder. The patient should therefore be asked to empty the bladder before treatment.
  • Perpendicular insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun.
  • Puncture perpendicularly, 0.7 to 1.2 cun.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.

Actions

  • Relieves Blood Stagnation
  • Warms the Lower Jiao
  • Regulates menstruation
  • Benefits the genital region
  • Removes Blood Stagnation from the uterus

Indications

  • Dysmenorrhea with dark, clotted Blood
  • Amenorrhea due to Blood Stasis
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Uterine masses
  • Swelling, pain and Cold of the vagina
  • Pain of the penis
  • Impotence
  • The seven kinds of shan disorder
  • Running piglet Qi
  • Inflammation of the adnexa uteri
  • Orchitis
  • Scrotal and urethral pain
  • Lower abdominal pain and Cold
  • Shan qi
  • Inflammation or retraction of the scrotum
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hernia
  • Leukorrhea
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Infertility
  • Retraction of the testicles
  • Seminal emission
  • Nocturia
  • Hypogastric pain
  • Endometritis
  • Colic
  • Vaginitis
  • Prostatitis
  • Endometriosis
  • Inflammation of the ovaries
  • Sterility

Combinations

PointsIndications
LI-4 Hegu, ST-36 Zusanli, DU-20 Baihui (moxa)Uterine prolapse
LIV-1 Dadun, SP-6 SanyinjiaoSagging and swollen testicles without pain
GB-27 WushuRetracted testicle
REN-3 Zhongji, REN-2 Qugu, M-CA-18 Zigong, SP-6 SanyinjiaoIrregular menstruation
KI-3 Taixi, REN-6 Qihai, KI-7 FuliuTrichomonas vaginitis

Notes

One of the most important points to eliminate Blood Stagnation in the uterus and regulate the menses. The main function of this point is to warm the Lower Jiao. Its name indicates a return of menstruation. It is particularly suited to treatment by moxibustion.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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