KI-21 - Dark Gate
幽门 - Yōu mén
Point Region: Upper abdomen
KI-21, or 'Youmen' (meaning 'Hidden Gate'), is a point located on the upper abdomen. Its name, 'Hidden Gate,' refers to its position as a gateway to the deeper organs, as well as its ability to address 'hidden' issues in the body, such as emotional blockages and long-held tension.
As a local point, Youmen is primarily used for issues related to the stomach and intestines, such as indigestion, abdominal pain, and bloating. It is a go-to point for 'calming' the mind and 'clearing' emotional blockages in the abdomen. By stimulating this point, you can help to release deep-seated tension and restore a sense of peace and tranquility.
Youmen acts as a vital access point to the body's emotional core, providing a direct and effective way to address blockages and restore a sense of balance and harmony. It's a reminder of the power of local points to provide targeted relief and restore a sense of comfort and vitality to the lower body.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: On the upper abdomen, level with CV-14.
How to Locate:
- Find your navel and measure 6 finger-widths up
- Move half a finger-width to the side from the center
- This is at the level of CV-14 (bottom of breastbone area)
- The point is beside the center line at this level
Primary Functions
Urinary & Kidney System
- Nourishes kidney yin and qi
- Treats kidney deficiency patterns
- Strengthens kidney function
Digestive System
- Treats stomach disorders
- Regulates gastric acid production
- Addresses stomach inflammation
- Treats nausea and gastritis
Respiratory System
- Treats chest oppression
- Regulates lung qi
- Addresses chronic cough
Nervous System
- Calms emotional stress
- Treats anxiety and worry
- Reduces nervous tension
Emotional & Mental
- Treats depression and melancholy
- Strengthens emotional resilience
- Reduces mental agitation
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Indigestion
- Chest pain
- Abdominal distension
- Nausea
- Digestive problems
- Chest discomfort
- Stomach problems
- Bloating
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
KI-21 Protocols
N/A
Important Precautions
- Pregnancy
- Severe heart conditions
- Recent chest surgery