Sundance Acupuncture

Herb & Acupuncture Database

(This is my own personal database of teachers, teachings and notes that I use in my practice. I’ve decided to share it freely with anyone who would like to reference it.)

UB-51 Huangmen - Diaphragm Gate of Vitality

More Spirit Names: Vitals Door, Huang Gate

English:	Vitals Gate
Also Known As:	Vitals Door

Location

3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra and level with UB-22 Sanjiaoshu.
Located 3 cun lateral to DU-5 Xuanshu, at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra.

Needling

Oblique insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
Caution: Deep perpendicular needling carries a substantial risk of injuring the Kidney.
Straight insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
Puncture obliquely 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

Actions

Dispels stagnation
Benefits the breasts
Regulates the San Jiao
Ensure the smooth spread of San Jiao Qi to the Heart

Indications

Epigastric pain
Great hardness below the Heart
Constipation
Pain in the upper abdomen
Paralysis of the lower limb

Breast disorders
Pain in the breast
Mastitis
Low back pain
Abdominal mass

Combinations

Contraindications

Notes

This point is important in connection with the space between the diaphragm and the Heart (Gaohuang). This point regulates the movement of the San Jiao upwards to the diaphragm region, while UB-53 Baohuang regulates the movement of the San Jiao downwards towards the uterus, genitals and urinary system.

Five Elements Spirit Perspective

Spirit of the Point	The diaphragm moves, and it divides mind from spirit. A gate left wide open lets the person burn through all their vitality; a closed gate affects the vital Qi energy, the vitality that body, mind and spirit draw on. Diaphragm Gate of Vitality is a gate of vital energy, opened when people are tired and lethargic so energy can pass to the level that needs it, or closed when it stands too open. It releases vitality and brings a tremendous surge of energy to the spirit and mind. With the gate open, warmth and vitality flow evenly and completely to every cell of the body. It sits beside the AEP of the Three Heater, which is about harmonizing and sharing heat out equally.
Worsley	Releases the concentrated vital essences we hold in reserve, reinforcing our uniqueness and deepening our sense of personal destiny. Location: 4½ ACI from the midline of the low back, level with the dip between L1 and L2. Needle depth: 5-7 fen Moxa: 7-15 cones
When to Consider	When people are tired and lethargic, without appetite or energy When a person begins to slip into resignation When the person is cold and rigid and cannot communicate mentally When excess heat explodes quickly and the mind is overheated and out of control When the Three Heater is not communicating For a Fire Causative Factor (CF) who describes a block in the middle burner, or has problems in the heart or breast area For a lack of joy and for blowing hot and cold emotionally When someone is doing all the right things yet never seems to get revitalized: they are not benefiting from their efforts and there is no progress
Notes	Outer Bladder line point, opposite the Associated Effect Point (AEP) of the Three Heater; has a special relationship to a Fire CF Can be used on any CF A good maintenance point that also strengthens the spirit's essence

For educational reference only; not a substitute for care from a qualified practitioner.