GV 4 — Mìng Mén (命门) — Gate of Life

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

GV 4 — Mìng Mén (命门) — is an acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) meridian. Its English name, Gate of Life, 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 GV 4 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

Below the spinous process of L2, on the posterior midline.

3. Actions

1. Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang — the Gate of Life
2. Strengthens the lower back and spine
3. Warms the uterus and treats infertility from Cold
4. Strengthens Yang and expels Cold

4. Indications

1. Kidney Yang deficiency — cold lower back, cold extremities, impotence and infertility
2. Chronic low back pain from Yang deficiency and Cold
3. Infertility from Cold uterus and Kidney Yang deficiency
4. Diarrhoea and frequent urination from Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency
5. Enuresis (bed-wetting) in children

5. Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion 0.5–1.0 cun. Moxibustion powerfully and frequently applied.

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

GV 4 is one of the most powerful Yang-tonifying points on the entire body. The Ming Men (Gate of Life) is the energetic pivot of Kidney Yang — the fire at the root of all Yang in the body. Moxibustion at GV 4 combined with BL 23 (bilateral) is the most powerful combination for warming Kidney Yang and treating Cold infertility, luteal phase defect and Yang-deficient low back pain. In fertility practice, GV 4 moxibustion is frequently taught to patients as a home treatment between sessions to warm the uterus during the luteal phase.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use GV 4 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Luteal phase defect, Fertility, Back pain, Male infertility. 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.