Urinary incontinence affects millions, yet many who experience it don’t care to talk about it. Beyond being physically disruptive, incontinence can be emotionally draining, often preventing people from enjoying their daily routines or social lives. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s inevitable.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a lesser-known but powerful ally in the fight against the condition: the Winnowing Gate (Ji Men, SP11) acupoint on the inner thigh. Easy to locate and even easier to activate, this acupoint might change how you think about aging and bodily control.
Ancient Tools for Everyday Challenges
First mentioned in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”), Ji Men belongs to the Spleen meridian, but its influence doesn’t stop there. It’s often used alongside acupoints on the Urinary Bladder meridian in protocols focused on restoring urinary control. Ji Men has a notable impact on regulating how urine flows—whether that means promoting urination in cases of painful retention (dysuria), or helping to stop unwanted leakages.
Ji Men becomes particularly relevant for those approaching or already in middle age. Women who’ve had children or men who’ve been a little too lenient with their health may find Ji Men particularly useful. In addition to helping with bladder function, it’s also used to support lower body strength in cases of muscle atrophy or weakness. Its toning effect could be part of how it helps strengthen the urinary muscles, offering a double benefit.
What Science Says So Far
Although no studies have isolated and tested Ji Men specifically, some useful context exists. Research shows that many patients with early or moderate incontinence turn to complementary or alternative therapies, especially TCM. Interestingly, gender seems to influence the approach: Stimulation of the Kidney meridian is more commonly used in men, while the Spleen meridian, where Ji Men is located, is more frequently targeted in women. These tendencies serve as a strong clue that this acupoint has practical value and real-world application.
How to Locate and Stimulate Ji Men
Ji Men is located on the inner thigh, in line with the Spleen meridian. To locate, start by placing your left hand on your right knee (or vice versa) so that your fingers point upwards toward the thigh, with your thumb at a 45-degree angle to the palm. This position also highlights another important acupoint called Sea of Blood, which we will use as a starting point for our measurements.
From your thumb, wrap your two hands around your thigh, allowing all eight fingers to align. Then, trace a straight line upwards along the middle of your inner thigh until you reach the point where your fingers stop—this is where Ji Men is located.
To identify the acupoint, gently feel around the spot until you find a point that produces distinct sore or tender sensations when pressed firmly. These sensations indicate you’ve located an acupoint. Since the inner thigh area may not always be sensitive, applying firm pressure can be beneficial.
How to Stimulate Ji Men for Best Results
- Scraping: A common method for Ji Men is gua sha, or scraping. Use a scraping tool with firm, downward motions for about five minutes. Make sure Ji Men is midway along the scraping path. If you don’t have a scraping tool, you can place your palms on your thighs and rub downward, applying strong pressure for five to 10 minutes. A gentle warmth spreading through the thigh is a good sign you’re doing it right.
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patches: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Be cautious if you use acupuncture at Ji Men—it’s close to the femoral artery, so precision is important. Avoid stimulating the area if there’s an injury, and always check the ingredients in herbal patches to avoid harsh chemicals and prevent skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Your Daily Ritual for Long-Term Confidence
The truth is that many people dealing with urinary issues won’t bring it up with their doctors until it’s too disruptive to ignore. However, self-care doesn’t have to wait for a prescription. Ji Men can be part of your proactive routine—a simple, effective step toward challenging the premise that aging must equal decline. Whether you’re using it for prevention or support, this acupoint gives you a sense of control. In matters of health and dignity, that’s no small win.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 12 June 2025
