Conception Vessel meridian
CV-8 (Shénquè, 神阙) — Spirit Gateway
- Meridian
- Conception Vessel (CV)
- Anatomical view
- anterior
- Point classification
- Umbilical point of the Conception Vessel that is treated without needling; no additional command classification is listed.
- Depth reference
- Do not needle
- Moxibustion
- Indirect moxibustion only with burn prevention; contraindicated on the abdomen during pregnancy
- Reference aliases
- CV8; Shenque; 神阙; Spirit Gateway
Anatomical location
On the upper abdomen, at the center of the umbilicus.
Traditional actions
Traditionally warms and rescues yang, regulates the intestines, and consolidates leakage.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include cold-type abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, collapse patterns, and edema.
Secondary: Secondary uses include prolapse and deficiency-type sweating.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) CV8, p. 223
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Ren 8: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference REN-8: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.1, areas not to be punctured, p. 24
- Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, Safety in Clinical Practice Guidance Prohibited areas for needling, p. 12
Frequently asked questions
Where is CV-8 located?
On the upper abdomen, at the center of the umbilicus.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for CV-8?
Traditionally warms and rescues yang, regulates the intestines, and consolidates leakage. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include cold-type abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, collapse patterns, and edema. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include prolapse and deficiency-type sweating.
Is CV-8 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify CV-8 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.