Conception Vessel 5 (REN 5) Shi Men — Stone Gate

This is the Front-Mu (alarm) point of the San Jiao (Triple Burner). It regulates the lower burner, promotes water metabolism and benefits the original qi.

Conception Vessel 5 (REN 5) Shi Men 石門 — Stone Gate

Location

On the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 2 cun inferior to the umbilicus.

Anatomy

On the linea alba; the inferior and superficial epigastric arteries; the eleventh intercostal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Regulates the San Jiao and the lower burner (Front-Mu)
  • Promotes water metabolism and benefits urination
  • Benefits the original qi

Indications

Oedema and difficult urination, abdominal pain and distension, diarrhoea, and (classically) post-partum and menstrual disorders.

Needling

0.8-1.2 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With REN-9 and SP-9 for oedema and urinary difficulty.

Classical Text References

The Front-Mu point of the San Jiao. Classically said to affect fertility, so used with care in women wishing to conceive.

Cautions & Contraindications

Caution/contraindicated in pregnancy.

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

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.