Kidney 21 (KI 21) You Men — Dark Gate

This point, on the upper abdomen, harmonises the Stomach, descends rebellious qi and relieves epigastric pain.

Kidney 21 (KI 21) You Men 幽門 — Dark Gate

Location

On the upper abdomen, 6 cun superior to the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline (lateral to REN-14).

Anatomy

On the rectus abdominis; the superior epigastric artery; the seventh intercostal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Harmonises the Stomach and descends rebellious qi
  • Relieves epigastric pain and vomiting

Indications

Epigastric pain, vomiting, acid regurgitation, abdominal distension, and morning sickness.

Needling

0.5-0.8 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With CV-12 and PC-6 for epigastric pain and vomiting.

Classical Text References

A meeting point with the Chong Mai.

Cautions & Contraindications

Avoid deep insertion (liver lies on the right; the point is near the costal margin).

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Nutritional Status in Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in improving nutritional status among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis of - Frontiers in nutrition, 2026.