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Zhangmen (LV-13), “Completion Gate”, is the Front-Mu (alarm) point of the Spleen and the Influential (Hui-meeting) point of the Zang (yin) organs. It harmonises the Liver and Spleen and strengthens the middle burner.
Location
On the lateral abdomen, below the free end of the eleventh rib.
Anatomy
On the external and internal oblique and transversus abdominis; the tenth and eleventh intercostal arteries; the tenth and eleventh intercostal nerves. The liver/spleen lie deep.
Actions & Functions
- Harmonises the Liver and Spleen
- Strengthens the Spleen and the middle burner (Front-Mu of the Spleen)
- Regulates and benefits the Zang organs (Influential point)
- Resolves food stagnation and masses
Indications
Abdominal distension and pain, borborygmus and diarrhoea, indigestion, hypochondriac pain, abdominal masses, and jaundice.
Needling
0.5-0.8 cun, perpendicular insertion.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion.
Point Combinations
With LV-14 for hypochondriac pain; with ST-36 and SP-6 to strengthen the Spleen.
Classical Text References
The Front-Mu point of the Spleen and the Influential point of the Zang organs; a meeting point with the Gall Bladder channel.
Cautions & Contraindications
Deep insertion on the right risks the liver and on the left the spleen; needle shallowly and perpendicularly.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.