Guanyuan (CV4)
Guanyuan (CV4), “Gate of Origin”, is a point on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). It is point 4 of the 24 on the channel. Strengthens Yuan Qi, nourishes Kidney Yang and Yin, regulates Blood and uterus.
Location
3 cun below the navel, on the midline.
Functions according to tradition
Strengthens Yuan Qi, nourishes Kidney Yang and Yin, regulates Blood and uterus. One of the most important points for constitutional deficiency and gynecological health.
Traditional indications
- Constitutional weakness
- Urinary incontinence
- Chronic diarrhea
- Impotence
- Infertility
- Dysmenorrhea
- Prolapse
- Deep fatigue
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
On the chest or abdomen, where the Qi of an organ “gathers”. Its tenderness to pressure guides diagnosis; it is used more in acute conditions and those of the fu organs.
It belongs to the small group of points that tradition associates with an entire region of the body (Zusanli with the abdomen, Weizhong with the back, Lieque with the head and nape, Hegu with the face and mouth…).
Precautions
Contraindicated during pregnancy. With a full bladder, needle shallowly.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- GV4 Mingmen (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Chronic diarrhea, Deep fatigue, Impotence, Infertility
- KI12 Dahe (Kidney): Impotence, Infertility
- LV8 Ququan (Liver): Dysmenorrhea, Prolapse
- ST30 Qichong (Stomach): Impotence, Infertility
- KI6 Zhaohai (Kidney): Dysmenorrhea
- SP10 Xuehai (Spleen): Dysmenorrhea
Point profile
- Code
- CV4
- Pinyin name
- Guān Yuán
- Characters
- 关元
- Translation
- Gate of Origin
- Meridian
- Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
- Classification
- Front-Mu (SI), Command point
- Topics
- Tonification, Constitution, Women's Health
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
