It’s another day, and it’s time for another acupuncture fact. This is kind of a funny one about REN-5 (石門 shí mén)…

ACUPUNCTURE FACT:

Although not mentioned in modern acupuncture texts, many classical texts warn that needling REN-5 can make a woman infertile.

REN-5 is located 3 cun superior to the pubic symphysis (or 2 cun below the umbilicus).

EXPLANATION:

In colloquial Chinese, “stone woman” is a term for an infertile woman. The name of REN-5 is “stone gate,” and an alternative name for this point is Jueyun (“infertility”).

While this is not really mentioned in modern texts, many classics such as the Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Illustrated Classic of Acupuncture Points on the Bronze Man, and the Illustrated Supplement to the Classic of Categories all warn that needling this point can make a woman infertile for life.

Interesting note: Deadman says that Jueyun is an alternate name for REN-5. However, in some of Maciocia’s writings, he describes Jueyun as an extra point that is located 3 fen below REN-5.

POINT COMBINATION:

The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion lists an interesting point combination: for women who have had too many children, needle REN-5 + SP-6.

Since this is something that is no longer mentioned in modern texts, it’s probably not something to worry about. But if you’re treating a patient for infertility and want to needle REN-4 or REN-6 to tonify, try not to hit REN-5 by mistake.

I'm not sure this is useful, but hopefully you found it at least amusing. Stay tuned for next time when we have our first quiz!

When you're ready for that, click "Complete and Continue."

Source: A Manual of Acupuncture, by Peter Deadman et al., Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications, 2007, pp. 504