ACUPUNCTURE
Xi Men: TCM Acupoint Guide
Name
Xi Men (Ximen)
Location
On the flexor aspect of the forearm, 5 cun proximal to PC-7 Daling, on the line connecting PC-7 Daling and PC-3 Quze, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis. Note: in the absence of the tendon of the palmaris longus, locate this point on the ulnar side of the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis.
Needling
- Straight insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun, causing local distention and soreness or a distended, numb sensation reaching to the fingertips.
- Perpendicular insertion, 0.5 to 1.5 cun, or oblique proximal insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Command Functions
- Xi-cleft point
- Alternative Source point
Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels Blood Stasis
- Cools the Blood
- Stops bleeding
- Calms the Shen
- Moderates acute conditions
- Regulates Qi
- Expands the diaphragm
- Alleviates pain
- Calms the Heart
- Opens the chest
- Strengthens the Mind
Indications
- Chest pain
- Heart pain
- Heart pain with vomiting
- Hematemesis
- Hemoptysis
- Epistaxis
- Five soles agitated and hot
- Chronic malaria
- Chronic hemorrhoids
- Palpitations
- Angina pectoris
- Pleurisy
- Hiccup
- Chest fullness
- Irritability and pain due to diaphragm constraint
- Boils
- Pain or paralysis of the anterior forearm and fingers
- Diaphragmatic spasms
- Fear of one's family
- Hysteria
- Mastitis
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Melancholy
- Fear and fright of people
- Insufficiency of Spirit Qi
- Epilepsy
- Chest pain radiating to the neck, back or left arm
- Cough
- Depressive psychosis
- Furuncles
- Skin diseases due to Blood heat
- Rheumatic Heart disease
- Fear of surroundings
- Nervousness
- Forgetfulness
- Anxiousness
- Myocarditis
- Psychopathy
- Dyspnea
- Lack of energy
Combinations
| Points | Indications |
|---|---|
| PC-3 Quze, PC-7 Daling | Heart pain |
| HT-1 Jiaquan | Heart pain with retching, agitation and fullness |
| PC-7 Daling | Hemoptysis |
| KI-4 Dazhong | Fright and fear of people, Spirit qi insufficient |
| SP-21 Dabao, SJ-8 Sanyangluo, GB-38 Yangfu, GB-41 Zulinqi | Pain of the chest and lateral costal region |
| PC-6 Neiguan, PC-3 Quze | Rheumatic Heart disease |
| LI-11 Quchi, SJ-8 Sanyangluo | Hemoptysis |
Notes
A primary point for treating Blood Stagnation in the chest and Heart. It is used for acute obstruction or pain in the channel or organ, and is a major point for angina pectoris. It is also an important point for regulating Heart rhythm. It becomes painful in pleurisy and palpitations and hence has diagnostic value.
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.
Did this article help you?
Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.
Keep readingRelated entries
Something this article did not cover?
Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.
Ask a question →