CV 4 — Guān Yuán (关元) — Gate of the Original Qi
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1. Overview
CV 4 — Guān Yuán (关元) — is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) meridian. Its English name, Gate of the Original Qi, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use CV 4 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
3. Actions
- Tonifies and nourishes the Original (Yuan) Qi
- Warms and tonifies the Kidney Yang
- Nourishes the Kidney Yin and Essence
- Regulates the uterus and benefits the Ren Mai — the most important gynaecological point on the Ren Mai
- Strengthens the lower back
- Stops bleeding
4. Indications
- All Kidney deficiency patterns — Yin, Yang and Essence
- Female infertility — cold uterus, irregular menstruation and implantation failure
- Male infertility — impotence, spermatorrhoea and low sperm count
- Luteal phase defect — moxibustion to warm the uterus post-ovulation
- Uterine bleeding and heavy periods
- Chronic fatigue and general debility from Qi deficiency
- Premature ejaculation and sexual dysfunction
- Post-partum weakness
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.8–1.5 cun. Moxibustion powerfully and frequently applied — one of the most important moxibustion points on the body. Avoid during pregnancy.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
CV 4 is the Front-Mu point of the Small Intestine and a meeting point of the Ren Mai with the three Yin meridians of the leg, but its most important clinical role is as the Gate of Yuan Qi — the reservoir of Original Qi inherited from the parents, stored in the Kidney. Moxibustion at CV 4 combined with BL 23 and GV 4 is the foundational protocol for Kidney Yang deficiency in fertility and tonification treatment. In fertility practice, CV 4 is one of the most important points on the body — it directly warms the uterus, tonifies Kidney Essence, and regulates the Ren Mai. Patient home moxibustion at CV 4 is regularly prescribed between sessions for Cold infertility and luteal phase defect.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use CV 4 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Fertility, Luteal phase defect, Male infertility, Thin endometrial lining, Miscarriage. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
