Governing Vessel meridian
GV-4 (Mìngmén, 命门) — Gate of Life
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel (GV)
- Anatomical view
- posterior
- Point classification
- Regular Governing Vessel point at the L2 level; the checked point sources list no separate command classification.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-1.0 cun oblique superiorly, with depth adjusted to individual anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Applicable; the checked point source records an age-related caution
- Reference aliases
- GV4; Mingmen; 命门; Gate of Life
Anatomical location
In the lumbar region, on the posterior midline in the depression below the spinous process of L2.
Traditional actions
Traditionally warms Kidney yang, supports essence, and strengthens the lumbar region.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include chronic low-back weakness, cold limbs, urinary disorders, and reproductive deficiency patterns.
Secondary: Secondary uses include diarrhea from cold, fatigue, tinnitus, and menstrual irregularity.
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) GV4, p. 205
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Du 4: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference DU-4: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
- College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, Safety Handbook for Alberta Practitioners Appendix 1, GV3-GV14 spinal canal cautions, pp. 58-59
Frequently asked questions
Where is GV-4 located?
In the lumbar region, on the posterior midline in the depression below the spinous process of L2.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for GV-4?
Traditionally warms Kidney yang, supports essence, and strengthens the lumbar region. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include chronic low-back weakness, cold limbs, urinary disorders, and reproductive deficiency patterns. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include diarrhea from cold, fatigue, tinnitus, and menstrual irregularity.
Is GV-4 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify GV-4 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.