ACUPUNCTURE
Huang Men: TCM Acupoint Guide
Name
Huang Men (Huangmen)
Location
3 cun lateral to DU-5 Xuanshu, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra.
Needling
- Oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Caution: deep perpendicular needling carries a substantial risk of injuring the kidney.
- Straight insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun.
- Puncture obliquely, 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Dispels stagnation
- Benefits the breasts
- Regulates the San Jiao
- Ensures the smooth spread of San Jiao qi to the heart
Indications
- Epigastric pain
- Great hardness below the heart
- Constipation
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Paralysis of the lower limb
- Breast disorders
- Pain in the breast
- Mastitis
- Low back pain
- Abdominal mass
Notes
This point is important in connection with the space between the diaphragm and the heart (Gaohuang). It regulates the movement of the San Jiao upwards to the diaphragm region, while UB-53 Baohuang regulates the movement of the San Jiao downwards towards the uterus, genitals and urinary system.
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.
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