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Youmen (KI-21), “Dark Gate”, on the upper abdomen, harmonises the Stomach, descends rebellious qi and relieves epigastric pain.
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.