The liver qi in the human body is prone to stagnation. Stagnation of liver qi can cause symptoms such as pain in the sides, poor appetite, stomach pain, vomiting, belching, and indigestion. Liver qi stagnation can also transform into fire. According to traditional Chinese medicine, "liver fire invades the lungs." When the liver is excessive and transforms into fire, it can cause coughing with pain in the sides, and coughing and wheezing. At this time, massaging the Qimen acupoint can help with regulation. So, what are the functions and effects of massaging the Qimen acupoint?
The Origin of the Name Qimen Acupoint
The word "Qi" means expectation or appointment, while "men" means door or gateway.
This acupoint is the uppermost acupoint of the liver meridian. Since the lower acupoint Zhangmen does not transmit substances externally, this acupoint is in a state of deficiency in terms of qi and blood substances. However, this acupoint is located in the middle of the body's front midline and side midline, neither yin nor yang, neither high nor low. Therefore, there is no heat descending here, nor does menstrual blood stop here. As a result, this acupoint is called the "Qimen" acupoint, as it serves as a gathering point for the liver meridian. Although there is a deficiency of qi and blood substances in this acupoint, it can only expect and wait for them.
Location: It is located in the chest, directly below the nipple, in the 6th intercostal space, 4 cun beside the midline.
The Functions of Massaging Qimen Acupoint
The Qimen acupoint is a gathering point of the liver meridian.
This acupoint has multiple uses. Massaging it can regulate the liver, invigorate the spleen, regulate qi and activate blood circulation. It has the function of dispersing liver stagnation, clearing liver heat, and purging liver excess, thereby improving the liver's ability to regulate emotions, opening up the chest, and promoting smooth liver qi flow, thus naturally eliminating various symptoms.
The Effects of Massaging Qimen Acupoint
The Qimen acupoint is located at the intersection of the Jueyin liver meridian, the Taiyin spleen meridian, and the Yinwei meridian. Massaging the Qimen acupoint can clear blood heat, regulate liver qi, relieve pain, promote gallbladder and stomach function.
Main Diseases Treated by Massaging Qimen Acupoint
Symptoms such as chest and side pain, vomiting, acid reflux, belching, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and chest heat caused by liver and stomach disorders. It can also effectively improve digestive symptoms, promote the resolution of jaundice and liver inflammation, and facilitate liver function recovery in cases of excessive liver and deficient spleen causing fatigue, tiredness, and spring lethargy.
Massage Techniques for Qimen Acupoint
Pressing technique: First, rub the sides lightly with the palms of your hands until they become slightly warm. Then, use the thumb to apply pressure directly on the Qimen acupoint, gradually increasing the pressure until you feel a sour, tingling, bloating, heat, or radiating sensation.
Rubbing technique: Use the thumb to apply pressure and rub the Qimen acupoint for a few seconds, then gradually relax. Repeat this process, alternating between left and right, pressing each acupoint for 3-5 minutes.
Palm rubbing technique: Rub the Qimen acupoint with the palm of your hand for five minutes.
