Mingmen GV4
Governing Vessel (Du Mai)
Source-based · educational reference
Location
| Point code | GV4 |
|---|---|
| Meridian | Governing Vessel (Du Mai) |
| Location | Lumbar region, on the posterior median line, below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. |
Traditionally recorded associations
low back painimpotencenocturnal emissionindigestionirregular menstruationdiarrhealeukorrhealumbar stiffness
Traditional application notes
| Technique | knead with the pad of the thumb or push and rub with the heel of the palm |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-5 minutes |
| Direction | from top to bottom or rub back and forth |
| Force | moderately heavy |
| Tips | Mingmen is an important point for tonifying the kidney; may coordinate by rubbing the hands warm and applying warm pressure; Rubbing back and forth until the lower back feels warm gives better results |
| Technique | mild moxibustion or warming needle moxibustion |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10-15 minutes |
| Distance | 2-3cm |
| Tips | Moxibustion on the lower back can be combined with warm needle moxibustion; Use warm heat deeply penetrating the lower back as the standard; Keep the lower back warm after moxibustion |
Frequently asked
Where is it located?
3 cun below ST35, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior tibial crest, per WHO standard.
Can I press it myself?
This site is an educational reference. Apply under a licensed practitioner; do not self-needle.
Sources & references
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations (2008) - who.int
- NCCIH - Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know - nccih.nih.gov