Conception Vessel 8 (REN 8) Shen Que — Spirit Gate Tower

This point, lies at the centre of the umbilicus. It warms and rescues yang, restores collapse and warms the Spleen and Intestines. Needling is forbidden; the point is treated with moxibustion, classically moxa on salt.

Conception Vessel 8 (REN 8) Shen Que 神闕 — Spirit Gate Tower

Location

In the centre of the umbilicus.

Anatomy

At the umbilicus; the inferior and superior epigastric arteries; the tenth intercostal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Warms and rescues devastated yang (collapse)
  • Warms the Spleen and Intestines and stops diarrhoea
  • Tonifies the original qi

Indications

Collapse with cold limbs and faint pulse, chronic and acute diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cold, and prolapse.

Needling

Needling is forbidden at this point.

Moxibustion Suitability

The principal indication is moxibustion - classically indirect moxa on a layer of salt (or ginger) in the navel to rescue yang and warm the abdomen.

Point Combinations

Salt-moxa with REN-4 and REN-6 to rescue collapsed yang; with ST-25 for chronic diarrhoea.

Classical Text References

A point of great importance for moxibustion; needling traditionally forbidden.

Cautions & Contraindications

Do not needle. Keep the area clean to avoid infection.

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.