CV-8 - Spirit Gateway

神阙 - Shén què

Point Region: Upper abdomen

CV

Conception Vessel

任脉 - Rèn mài

CV-8 Shenque, meaning 'Spirit Gate,' is located at the navel, a point that is rarely needled but is a master at warming and reviving the body's Yang energy. As the first point of nourishment we receive in the womb, it is a direct gateway to our deepest reserves of life force. It is often stimulated with moxibustion—a warming herb—to restore vitality and strengthen the core.

Think of Shenque as a point that helps you to feel warm and cozy from the inside out. It's invaluable for addressing issues like chronic fatigue, cold hands and feet, and a feeling of being 'burnt out.' By warming and reviving Yang, it helps to restore a sense of strength and vitality to the body's core.

By warming and reviving Yang, CV-8 helps to restore a deep sense of strength and resilience. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a warm and vibrant core.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: In the center of the umbilicus.

How to Locate:

  1. Locate your navel (belly button)
  2. The point is exactly in the center of your navel
  3. Feel the natural depression of your belly button
  4. This is the deepest part of your navel
Location illustration for In the center of the umbilicus.

Primary Functions

Digestive System

  • Strengthens digestive function
  • Treats chronic diarrhea and dysentery
  • Relieves abdominal pain and bloating
  • Improves absorption and metabolism
  • Addresses gastroenteritis

Immune & Energy System

  • Major point for tonifying yang qi
  • Strengthens constitutional energy
  • Boosts immune system function
  • Combats chronic fatigue and weakness
  • Enhances overall vitality

Reproductive & Hormonal System

  • Supports reproductive health
  • Regulates hormonal balance
  • Addresses sexual dysfunction

Emotional & Mental

  • Calms the spirit and mind
  • Reduces anxiety and stress
  • Promotes emotional stability
  • Enhances mental clarity

Circulatory System

  • Improves circulation
  • Warms the body and extremities

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Diarrhea
  • Syncope
  • Abdominal distention
  • Epilepsy
  • Postpartum urinary retention
  • Digestive disorders
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Fluid retention

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

CV-8 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Pregnancy
  • Umbilical hernia
  • Recent abdominal surgery
  • Infection in navel area